1. College Essays and Personal Statements
CCC Fall 2013

2. There are around 37,000 high schools in the US
There are around 37,000 high schools in the US. There are at least 50,000 valedictorians graduating each year, and thousands more graduating with “good grades.” For each high school, there is at least one class president, at least one football captain, at least one drum major, at least one of everything—sometimes more.
Approx. number of graduating seniors in the US: 3,342,250 students
Average number of applicants to each institution: 15,000-20,000
Some scary numbers

3. So what are they looking for?
Your passions
Your ability to grow
Your ability to reflect
How you would “fit” with their school
Your strength as a writer
There are thousands of other applicants applying to your school. Many of them have the same grades and activities that you do. This is your chance to stand out and be more than a resume.
Writing illustrates attention to detail, effort, ability to communicate effectively, etc

4. Type of Prompt: Influences/Personal Experiences
Prompt: Tell us about a time when you’ve experienced a situation below and how it affected you
Took a risk
Faced a moral dilemma
Encountered a setback
Prompt: Identify a significant person or event that has influenced you
What they want: write about things, people, places that are important to you. Relate these experiences to goals/how school can help reach those goals

5. Type of Prompt: Open-Ended
Prompt: Personal Statement
Prompt: Why is our college a good choice for you?
Prompt: What are your goals?
Prompt: What’s your passion?
Prompt: Tell us something about yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere in the application
What you should know: These prompts give little direction—so FOCUS!

6. Type of Prompt: “Creative” Questions
Prompt: Quote-based
Prompt: Beliefs on social issues
Prompt: Pick your own topic
What they’re looking for: looking at your thought process, voice, and character

7. Focusing on Prewriting
College essays are often rambling, unfocused, or cliché. Prewriting helps avoid these problems before they’re even penned.
What does the prompt ask for?
How does the topic relate to my own experience and goals?
How does the prompt relate to the college or program?
What specific instructions are given in the prompt?

8. List as many personality traits as you can think of that apply to you.
Brainstorming

9. Next to each personality trait, list at least 3 events or experiences that would substantiate this trait.
Brainstorming

10. Brainstorming Identify: What are your goals for college/the future?
Decide: How would going to college help you reach those goals?
Brainstorming

11. Pick one trait/event. Spend 2 minutes listing as many details about that event as you can remember.
Brainstorming

12. Organization Beginning—Catch reader’s interest Middle End
Personal anecdote
Quote—correctly incorporated!
Fact or statistic—meaningful!
Middle
Develop focus of essay
Include specific details general=generic
Use transitional words/phrases
End
Revisit focus (“main point”)
End positively and confidently

13. Key Reminders Answer the prompt Pay attention to word count
Be specific and focused
Connect your goals to the school
Find an original angle—you’re trying to stand out!
This is NOT a resume
Be yourself, be authentic