1. College Essay Writing Workshop Entrepreneurship Mr. Rodrigues

2. Why go to College…? Going to College or Technical School increases your chances of finding a better, high paying job. Going to College or Technical School increases your chances of finding a better, high paying job. US Government Statistics 2001 US Government Statistics 2001 High School Drop-Out $22,100 High School Drop-Out $22,100 High School Graduate $33,056 High School Graduate $33,056 College Graduate $54,704 (Bachelors Degree) College Graduate $54,704 (Bachelors Degree)

3. College is not for everyone… You can earn a good living without attending a college You can earn a good living without attending a college Other ways of making money: Other ways of making money: Trade School Trade School Plumbers making Six-digits Plumbers making Six-digits Specialty Machinists Specialty Machinists Military Military Construction Construction Sports Sports Associates Degrees / Certificates Associates Degrees / Certificates

4. The Times they are A-Changing… The High School Diploma has become a MUST !! The High School Diploma has become a MUST !! There are not as many unskilled labor jobs available in the USA anymore There are not as many unskilled labor jobs available in the USA anymore Outsourcing and offshore manufacturing have eliminated many low-skill, good-wage jobs Outsourcing and offshore manufacturing have eliminated many low-skill, good-wage jobs Made in China Made in China Technology and Automation Technology and Automation

5. Writing a College Essay A College Essay is a lot like a cover letter A College Essay is a lot like a cover letter It is designed to answer: It is designed to answer: Why are apply to this School ? Why are apply to this School ? What have you done to distinguish yourself ? What have you done to distinguish yourself ? Can you write or think ? Can you write or think ? Colleges use the essays to learn more about you Colleges use the essays to learn more about you They can make or break being accepted into a school !! They can make or break being accepted into a school !!

6. College Essays Sometimes college essays are ‘Free-Response’ Sometimes college essays are ‘Free-Response’ ‘Attach a one page summary of your qualifications’ ‘Attach a one page summary of your qualifications’ Other times the school will provide you with a specific writing prompt. Other times the school will provide you with a specific writing prompt. Why do you feel that the University of Pittsburgh is the right school for you ? Why do you feel that the University of Pittsburgh is the right school for you ? Describe a challenging obstacle that you have had to overcome. Explain how it changed you. Describe a challenging obstacle that you have had to overcome. Explain how it changed you. More Examples: More Examples: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay- skills/108.html http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay- skills/108.html http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay- skills/108.html http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay- skills/108.html They are generally short---500 words or less They are generally short---500 words or less

7. College Essay Writing Tips If you have a choice, choose the topic you are most comfortable with If you have a choice, choose the topic you are most comfortable with Being genuine is easier than being something you are not… Being genuine is easier than being something you are not… Use your own voice Use your own voice Show what you know Show what you know Keep the focus Narrow Keep the focus Narrow Be simple and straightforward, don’t get lost in what you are writing Be simple and straightforward, don’t get lost in what you are writing Don’t be too wordy Don’t be too wordy Be specific Be specific Provide examples of what you have done Provide examples of what you have done Proof-Read Proof-Read Spelling Errors are only acceptable once you are a High School Teacher, making PowerPoint Presentations for your students Spelling Errors are only acceptable once you are a High School Teacher, making PowerPoint Presentations for your students