SCHOLARSHIP/COLLEGE ESSAY TYPES

3 COMMON TYPES You  “Tell us about yourself” “Why us?”  Explain why you chose them The creative question  Show your education and span of knowledge  Can involve anything from a national issue to a photograph.

THE “YOU” ESSAY This is an opportunity to show the school your personality and your best qualities Avoid:  Saying TOO much. Select one or two things to focus on  Selecting a topic that is too common (you want to stand out!) Ex: "Please complete a one-page personal statement and submit it with your application." (James Madison University) Ex:"How would you describe yourself as a human being? What quality do you like best in yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you most like to see flourish and which would you like to see wither?" (Bates College)

THE “WHY US?” ESSAY This is an opportunity to explain why you chose the school or what career you plan to go into. Avoid:  DO YOUR RESEARCH!  Make sure you know that the major you want is at the college, details about their program, etc.  DO NOT give them a long story about how you have always admired them/wanted to go there/had family that went there. Ex: "Why is UVM a good college choice for you?" (University of Vermont) Ex: "Please tell us about your career goals and any plans you may have for graduate study." (Westfield State College)

THE “CREATIVE” ESSAY This type of essay is an opportunity to write about your personal views. Avoid:  Lack of information. If you are talking about something that you have an opinion on, make sure you are informed.  Trying too hard to be “creative” is risky  Be sure to back up what you have to say with information and reasoning. Ex: "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." (Common Application)

TODAY’S PROMPT You are applying to a college that requires personal statement. The prompt is as follows: “Please tell us about yourself. Submit a one-page personal statement with your application.” You will outline your essay, starting with a thesis statement and moving from there.