1. College Admissions Essays 101
In this lesson, you will:
Step 1: Organize your essay plans & prompts
Step 2: Learn about the Common App (& other frequently used prompt types)
Step 3: Read samples & write rough drafts of your essay(s)
Step 4: Revise and edit your essays into final drafts
College Admissions Essays 101
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

2. DISCLAIMERS:
This lesson focuses on American universities of varying characteristics, and does not address international schools.
I am not responsible for your admission into college or the scholarships you receive there (or your lack thereof).
This advice may not apply to all colleges and prompts; it is just the personal experience of the author and what has worked in the past.
Other factors than the essay weigh equally or more heavily in your admission.
If you have questions or concerns, defer to the information given by university professionals, guidance counselors, etc.
The following lesson is just a set of guidelines, not universal truths or guaranteed facts.
The author has no formal affiliations with any universities and cannot guarantee the success of this advice.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

3. Step 1: Organize your writing schedule
Though not required, I highly recommend that you start by organizing ALL of the following information into a table for ANY colleges to which you plan to apply:
Name of institution
Common App (yes/no)
Check the list here!
Additional essay prompt? (If so, include it)
Word counts
Due date for application
Additional information for
scholarships (if they have additional
essays, especially THOSE prompts
and deadlines)

4. One sample schedule (for 2017-2018)
Name
Common App?
Other Essay prompt(s)?
Word count
Due Date*
Georgetown U. No
Yes (*requires login to see)
TBD
1/10/18
Harvard College
Yes
650
1/1/18
MIT
Short answer questions
The Ohio State University
*If trying for Honors program
2/1/18
Stanford U.
1/3/18
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)
*Dates listed are for REGULAR admission; source is the College Board.

5. Let’s talk about this essay you must write…
Most essays at school…
College admissions essays…
Exact genre varies (literary analysis, report, etc.)
Have a clear rubric (or at least general, common guidelines to follow)
Have an audience you know (your teacher) who also knows you.
The teacher reads and agonizes over your grade for varying lengths of time
Are not competitive (there aren’t a set # of A grades…)
Personal essay (mix of informative, persuasive, narrative)
Don’t have rubrics, and only some vague directions/ guidelines.
Have an unfamiliar audience (either one person or several) who doesn’t know you. They have no context other than what’s on the paper.
Are read in seconds or minutes, and the reader makes a snap decision.
Is competitive.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

6. College admissions essays…
…which means that…
College admissions essays…
… require you to…
Don’t have rubrics, and only some vague directions/ guidelines.
Have an unfamiliar audience (either one person or several) who doesn’t know you. They have no context other than what’s on the paper.
Are read in seconds or minutes, and the reader makes a snap decision.
Is competitive.
You have to follow the rules you do have, and make educated guesses.
You can’t assume anything or leave anything important unsaid. It’s the academic equivalent of “leaving it all on the field”.
You have to make a great first impression, AND maintain it, AND have a great ending.
You have to write better* than some percentage of other people, *including content and/or style.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

7. So, let’s set some ground rules.
These essays ASSUME that you will:
Follow the prompt
Fully edit/proofread your work – NO grammar or spelling mistakes!
Stay within the word count that is given
Write in somewhat-traditional paragraph and essay structure
Follow appropriate formatting when necessary
However, you must also remember that:
This is basically a competition. There are “winners” and “losers”. (Sorry.)
Your goal at all times should be to BOTH “get in” and “get money” (scholarships) – be ambitious and do not settle for mediocre writing!
There are a LOT of other students responding to the SAME prompts, and so part of your job is to be ABOVE AVERAGE and MEMORABLE. You must stand out from your peers to succeed!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

8. Let’s focus on that last part.
“…part of your job is to be ABOVE AVERAGE and MEMORABLE.”
This means, in addition to successfully writing a “basic” or “standard” essay, you should also strive to…
Be unique.
Be memorable.
Be a strong writer.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

9. Don’t believe me? Think about it.
In the perfect world, what do colleges WANT?
Academically proficient students who…
Want to over-achieve
Will join clubs or organizations
Might do academic research
Is ready for the academic demands
Is goal-oriented, has a plan, and is ready to take action
Will “hit the ground running” from the moment they enter campus
Is “worth” the investment of an admission slot and/or scholarship $
Has evidence to prove that they are, or will be, awesome.
…In other words, they want someone who will make THEM look good, either in the short-term or long-term.
While you should NEVER, EVER lie or exaggerate, you DO need to make yourself look like what I will call a “worthwhile investment”.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

10. Step 2: Prompt Analysis Let’s look at the Common App first.
We will examine each of the seven prompts.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

11. Common App Directions
Do NOT make your Common App essays too specific to any one college, since all of the ones you apply to will see the same one. (Source)
The word limit is 650 words (Source)
Pay attention to formatting when you copy/paste it into the App (Source)
You can change your essay up to three times when you submit it, BUT you should really turn in the best possible essay on the first try! (Source)
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

12. Here are the seven prompts. (2017-2018 Edition; prompts with a
Here are the seven prompts! ( Edition; prompts with a * indicate revision from )
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?*
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?*
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.*
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? [New]
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. [New]
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)
Source:

13. Whoa… don’t just dive in too fast.
These prompts have ADVANTAGES and TRAPS that you need to know!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

14. Prompt Analysis: #1
Common App
(Same prompt as past years)
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Good for you if: you have a major accomplishment, a unique cultural background, or an interesting personal situation that:
Hasn’t been addressed anywhere else in the application, and/or
Would help EXPLAIN something about your app.
The TRAP is:
that you’ll spend too long writing about that situation, instead of circling back to how great you are, OR
that your chosen story won’t show personal growth or positive attributes.
Here’s the Deal: This is (arguably) the most open-ended prompt of all five. Sometimes this prompt is used to make excuses, and sometimes it is used to tell awesome stories of overcoming adversity or a unique point of view/experience! Use this to highlight why you’re unique, talented, or another positive characteristic!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

15. Prompt Analysis: #2
Common App
(Revised )
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?*
Good for you if: you have overcome adversity and triumphed, whether it was small and personal or large and public.
This is sometimes used to explain academic struggles.
The TRAP is: Focusing disproportionately on the failure, instead of sufficiently talking about:
How you grew as a result of the failure
The process you used to overcome it
How you are better/stronger now (and thus a better future college student)
Here’s the Deal: This is a problem/solution essay in disguise.
Keep the balance appropriate (see above)
Have a POINT (thesis or theme)
Be careful of clichés and exaggerations. You want to elicit real, honest emotion, and not over-dramatize a failure that wasn’t actually significant.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

16. Prompt Analysis #3
Common App
(Revised )
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?*
Good for you if: you’ve wrestled with ethics, been a whistleblower, had a shift in beliefs, actively questioned tradition, etc.
The TRAP is:
Talking too much about just the situation (and not making a point about who you are, what you believe in, what you’re like, etc.)
Here’s the Deal: If you pick this one, make sure it’s a meaningful story in which you learned something!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

17. Prompt Analysis: #4
Common App
(Same prompt as past years)
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 
Good for you if: You’ve had an opportunity to be innovative, do research, pursued a goal, or have a passion for a specific issue.
The TRAP is: Talking about the problem and solution exclusively (and not letting it reflect you, your passions, your talents, your goals, or your actions).
Here’s the Deal:
Like prompt #2, this is a problem/solution essay in disguise.
This prompt has all kinds of potential! They want to see critical thinking, your values, and your problem-solving skills ALL wrapped into one.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

18. Prompt Analysis: #5
Common App
(Revised )
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.*
Good for you if: you have a unique story to tell about a specific turning point in time, including how it changed you.
The TRAP is: To talk exclusively about that event, in the past tense, instead of using it to reflect who you are now.
Here’s the Deal: Not everyone will have a story that fits this prompt. If you don’t, it’s okay! Pick one of the other ones.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

19. Prompt Analysis: #6
Common App
(New in )
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Good for you if: you have a passion, hobby, or skill that you can discuss with great enthusiasm!
The TRAP is: To talk exclusively about your passion and how great, interesting, or problematic it is; don’t forget to let it reveal YOUR personality, skills, or problem-solving.
Here’s the Deal: Colleges are secretly hoping to uncover what kind of student you’ll be – a hard worker? A researcher? Someone who will take on a challenge? Impress them with your passion AND your action steps!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

20. Prompt Analysis: #7
Common App
(New in )
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 
Good for you if: you strongly feel that you have a high-quality essay that doesn’t quite “fit” the other prompts; also great if you have a unique story, idea, or topic.
The TRAP is: the “one you’ve already written” part. Submitting an essay that ISN’T very good, just because you don’t want to do the other prompts. (For example, don’t reuse a school essay if it does nothing to make you seem appealing to a college!)
Here’s the Deal: Colleges are trying to be fair to all students with this prompt, but it still needs to be high-quality writing that helps (instead of hurts) you.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

21. Talk out loud for 1 minute.
What observations do you have about those seven prompts?
Which one(s) are you leaning toward?
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

22. Let’s be real. A few more tips…
Between you and me, prompts #3 and #5 (and to a lesser extent, #2) are not for everyone. If those prompts don’t match your life experiences, don’t make up or exaggerate something to “make” it fit.
Beware of cliché essay topics. Remember – your goal is to stand out, either in content/topic or at least the way you handle it.
For Example: Think carefully about writing an essay about “how volleyball changed your life.” There will be a LOT of sports essays, and you’ll need to make sure you can put an interesting twist on it (or risk sounding the same as everyone else!)
You might change your mind about which prompt(s) to complete, and you might have to redo a draft from scratch. Both of those are okay! 
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

23. Let’s Review (before moving on)
All of these prompts have advantages AND traps.
Tell a story that reflects who you are in a positive light.
You do not have an advantage from picking one over another, BUT you could put yourself at a DISadvantage if you don’t pick a prompt/story that really works well for you.
Never write anything you can’t prove. (Don’t lie or exaggerate.)
Present the best (but still honest) version of yourself.
Turn the prompt’s focus back on yourself, or use it to highlight something great about you.
Strive to be unique/memorable, seemingly worthy of investment, and the best, most honest version of yourself!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

24. Let’s look at some specific colleges.
Even if you don’t apply to this COLLEGE, pay attention to these PROMPTS,
because similar question styles are used by other places, too!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

25. Example #1: Georgetown University
2014 short answer question
“In the space available discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.”
Since this is required, you still have to answer the question, be memorable, and show who you are!
Be as specific as you can, especially since it’s short answer. Don’t give vague generalities like “I became stronger.”
CHOOSE CAREFULLY. Not only do you want to set yourself apart from others, but your activity will reflect different things about you.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

26. Example #2: Notre Dame Required: 150-200 words: “Why Notre Dame?”
Prompts
Required: words: “Why Notre Dame?”
Advice: don’t JUST talk about things like football, good academics, and traditions! Stand out from what others will say!
Pick two of the following:
A good story starts with a good beginning. Get us hooked in the first 150 words.
Creative writing, yay!  Note that it doesn’t specify fiction or non-fiction. This one is all about writing skill.
Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, described education as “the art of helping young people to completeness.” How are you incomplete?
This prompt seems to be all about humility, doesn’t it? ;-)
Notre Dame students are encouraged to learn through discovery by interacting with the world around them. Describe your ideal intellectual field trip.
No wrong answer here, but this should reveal a lot about who you are AND your goals!
Initiate an in-person conversation with someone whom you've never met but who you think might be interesting. What did you learn about that person or yourself?
Don’t fall for the trap of talking too much about the person and the conversation; let your choices reveal something about you!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

27. Example #3: OSU Honors Program
(Prompt no longer used, BUT many colleges ask about how you will get involved or meet a goal.)
Based on upon​ your academic, career, or personal interests, describe how you believe you will become involved in one or more of the G.O.A.L.S.* of the Honors & Scholars Center.
Note*: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, Service Engagement
Well, this one has a lot to tackle, doesn’t it? Don’t get overwhelmed.
Though there’s truly no wrong answer here… Ohio State takes pride in being a research school. Guess which of the GOALS they would probably enjoy hearing about? …
NOTE: Do research on YOUR schools too! It doesn’t hurt to know what they value and what they’re hoping to hear!
This prompt seems to want its students to be driven and goal-oriented. Express your passions, ideas, and dreams!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

28. Step 3: Get Ready to Write!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

29. Your Homework This FALL, you should… For CLASS, here’s the plan:
If you haven’t already, make that chart of prompts & due dates.
Write rough drafts.
Get at LEAST two adults (in addition to any friends) to read your work, critiquing both content and style.
Complete all the OTHER pieces of the application; add the essay when ready.
Consider getting all this done WAY BEFORE the actual deadline. Don’t procrastinate and get stressed!
For CLASS, here’s the plan:
Pick ONE prompt, either from the Common App or a specific college, and write an essay draft for that prompt.
You MUST limit yourself to their word count!
Complete the Editing & Revision Activity
Turn in the essay draft and the rubric to me.
Once I give you feedback, consider revising before sending it to a college!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

30. Let’s look at the rubric.
(We’ll check out the Editing & Revising Activity as well.)
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

31. How you will be graded Organization/Structure Beginning
Follow along on your RUBRIC! 
Organization/Structure
Beginning
Answering the Prompt; Clear ideas/theme(s)/ thesis
Ending
Grammar
Subjective Overall Impression*
(*see next slide)
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

32. *Rubric Row: “Subjective Impression”
For this category, I will pretend, as much as I can, to be a biased college admissions person (who DOES NOT KNOW YOU, and ONLY has the essay to work with).
I will grade you based on the somewhat subjective criteria we discussed earlier, such as:
Memorable/unique, did you present yourself well, do you seem worthy of “investment”, etc.
*However, this rubric category WILL NOT GO IN MY GRADE BOOK. This row is JUST for your own information, and is JUST something for you to think about before revising/submitting your REAL essay.
Again – this subjective row will NOT affect your grade in English class. It is just my biased opinion on whether or not your essay has sufficiently represented you well!
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

33. If not, then we will continue… 
Any Questions?
If not, then we will continue… 
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

34. Quiz! 
How are college admissions essays different from the other ones you have written before?
What are admissions officers/readers looking for?
What characteristics should your essay have, regardless of the prompt?
What advice and/or traps should you consider while drafting (or revising) a college admissions essay?
What do you think is the most important advice that you’re taking away from this lesson?
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

35. Let’s PAUSE to read some essays.
Follow along with the Compare & Contrast Activity
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)

36. Want to see more example essays?
Just remember that no one has the PERFECT essay or formula, so don’t imitate these TOO closely.
Copyright Secondary Sara (2017)