The College Application A Personal Essay-Structure and Tips

What is it? This is your personal introduction to the school This is the only part of the application process over which you have complete control – so don’t waste it! Its purpose is twofold: –To sell yourself as a writer –To sell yourself as a person

You the Writer… How well do you use language? Can you organize your thoughts, and are your thoughts original? Do you have a firm grasp on grammar and mechanics? Can you proofread? Are you up the challenge of college level writing?

You the Person… Can you demonstrate insight? Are you self-aware? Creative? How do you view the world around you? What makes you tick? Are you right for the college? Is the college right for you?

The Essay Length: Most colleges ask that you keep the essay around 500 words. –Make your essay as close to one page as possible (11 pt. font, 1.5 spacing, etc.) This is a personal essay. –That means the use of I and me (first person) is okay.

The Attention-Getter Very Important! First impressions here are more crucial than ever. Terrible First Sentences Hall of Fame: –“Different experiences in a person’s life are what shape who they are.” Duh. –“It is hard to pinpoint human nature.” –“Every book is made up of words.” Duh. What? Seriously- COME ON!

Great Attention-Getters “Who wants to make flaming bubbles today?” “of the big sweaty guy next to me – a mixture of pig farm and road kill, I think.” “The name ‘restroom’ is quite contradictory: when you are in the restroom, you do not reel restful – you have an uncontrollable desire to leave.”

Structure-Part 1 The first half (ish) is where you sell yourself as a writer Spend some time telling an interesting story or explaining your topic. Remember this is a short essay, so don’t take too long. Still use good paragraphs, but be flexible Thesis: Still needs one, but doesn’t have to be at the end of the first paragraph IF you can do it right.

Structure- Part 2 The second half is where you sell yourself as a person Explain how your first part shows off your desirable qualities as a student that you would bring to the college Show insight! What have you learned along life’s way? Why should the school take you?

Conclusion Short: 2-4 sentences Leave a lasting impression Incorporate the future! Tell the admissions officers why they should pick YOU: you’ll be a good student, you’ll succeed, you’ll continue doing what the essay shows about you, etc.

Caution to the Wind! (Within reason) The average high school student can write a nice 5 paragraph essay – COLLEGES DON’T WANT AVERAGE! Set your application essay apart –Attention getter is very important –Unique perspective on your topic –Break the 5 paragraph model –Dialogue –Reference your intro in your conclusion –Your grammar and mechanics must be PERFECT.

Where to start… Pick a question Start brainstorming –Just remember, whatever you think of off the top of your head will be the same as everyone else who is writing on the same topic –Dig deep. –The dig deeper. –Then deeper still.