1. Considerations for Writing your College Essays

2. What the Admission Committees Look For
A student with potential for growth.
An individual who will contribute to the quality of life for other students.
A personality that will fit in on their campus.
Individuals who are sincere and are themselves. They can spot a fake a mile away.

3. Colleges Use Different Essay Topics
Some colleges have 1 or 2 prescribed topics to write about (WWU).
Others allow you to choose among topics.
(Common Application: choose 1 of 6)
Still others have several categories in which you must respond (WSU has 6 topics that demand short answers = 110 words each).

4. Sample College Essay Questions
Western Washington University:
What has been your most significant failing and what did you learn from the experience?
Washington State University:
has 6 short answer essays
Describe examples of your leadership experiences.
What have you done to make your community a better place?

5. Common Application Essay Questions
3 (of 6) questions:
Discuss an issue of personal, local, national or international concern & its importance to you.
Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.
Topic of your choice.
There is also one question every student must answer.

6. Essay Blueprint: Do This!
Find a topic
Write a draft
Revise and rewrite
Get feedback
Final editing

7. Topics to Help You Start
Write about a time when you:
have been inspired.
had fun.
were intellectually connected in class.
felt exceptionally alive.
lost your sense of time because you were so engrossed in learning something.

8. Other Thoughts to Consider
Write about things that interest you or about experiences you have had.
If you write about an important event make sure it is genuine and not a story others have told you.
Include things not already in your application or resume.
Write a snapshot of your life not your whole life story.
A personal statement can explain your academic record if it is not strong.

9. A Good Essay is …..
Not good because of the topic but because of the voice.
Show vs. Tell: a good essay shows by using all of the senses, not just the visual and notices everything that is happening.
Topic: Death in the family (opening statement):
Poor example: From an early age we accept death as inevitable but do not comprehend its actual denotation.
Good example: The coughing came first then the hacking in the middle of the night.

10. Work on these points
Make your essays personal but stay within the guidelines.
Length: most colleges set limits. Don’t over write as admission counselors will not appreciate it - Make every word count.
Write an attention-getting lead; say something brief, direct and intriguing but not scary.
Word Choice: weigh each word and substitute more colorful ones that an 18 year old would use.
Tone: read your essay out loud. Does it sound passionate, humorous or reflective?

11. Revising Can the reader connect with how you are thinking or feeling?
Watch out for vague language or inappropriate word choice i. e use of the word “stuff” “ or “like, whatever.”
Do not use IM language or shortcuts.
Proofread not just spell check “I am interested in attending your homely campus.”
Watch out for over use of the pronoun “I.”

12. Correct usage of words and phrases
Check Your Essay
Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation
Correct usage of words and phrases

13. Finally….. Proofread and have someone else proofread.
Often more is less so don’t go on and on…
Be creative and confident; if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will.
Don’t let your parent write your essay; they can tell if a 59 year old wrote it or if you wrote it at 11:59 pm.

14. Relax! You do not have to prove anything.
Don’t try to solve life’s mysteries.
Don’t attempt to save the world in your future.
They realize you are 18 and assume you are bright and motivated.

15. Take time to create a winning essay!
Questions an admissions counselor will consider after reading your essay
What did I learn about you?
What do I remember about you?
Do I have confidence in your writing?
Do I have any concerns about you?
Did you come across as thoughtful or interesting?
Take time to create a winning essay!

16. Common Application
Prepared by Kay Hutchinson, 2008