IECA SpringConferenceBoston • May 4-7, 2016http://tinyurl.com/ieca2016boston

Communicating Their Stories: Strategies To Help 17-Year Olds Write Meaningful College Application Essays

Sidonia DarbyRebecca JosephElizabeth StoneDavid West

Your PresentersDavid WestSenior Director, Domestic Recruitment and Territory Management, Syracuse University

Rebecca Joseph, PhDIEC and College Professor

Elizabeth StoneIEC

Sidonia DalbyAssociate Director of Admissions,Smith College

Placing Essays In Context

The Common Application

Current CA 2015-2017 Prompts250-650 Words (2015-2016 percentages)

1. 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. (49%)

2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (17%)

3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again. (4%)

4. 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. (10%)

5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. (22%)

Each College’s Additional Essays Differ

Syracuse University

Syracuse=Common App + 2 Additional Short Essays2015-2016 Syracuse Member Questions: Writing

Same for both Freshman and Transfer Applicants

• 1. Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University?(Required, 250 word max, Paste in)2. Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this? (Required, 250 word max, Paste in)

Additional requirements for special programs and majors

Smith College

Smith College: Common App + 2 Writing Supplemental Essays

2015-2016 Smith College Member Questions and Writing SupplementMember Questions: ActivitiesIf you wish to submit your résumé, you may upload it here. (Optional, Upload document)

Writing Supplement (First-Year Applicants)We know that colleges ask a lot of hard questions on their applications. This one is not so hard and we promise, there is no hidden agenda – just have fun! We have all heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Recount a time when something really made you laugh. (Required, Paste in, 200 word limit)

Advice from Smith: http://www.smith.edu/admission/simply/docs/essay_writing/CollegeEssayTips.pdf

Essays=Opportunity• Share•Reflect• Stand Out

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But why do so many students wind up? How can we mentor them?

Person Conceptualization

Asking teens to write about themselves

• Asking students to

king students to describe themselves

Level 1- Demographics

Level 2 - Evaluative

Level 3 – Personality Traits

Level 4 – Qualified Traits

Level 5 – Psychological Insight

How does this relate to the college essay?Level 5 insight is expected from many essay prompts

Mentors or mediators can move teens to higher levels of person conceptualization by

• prodding

• reflecting

• integrating

Prodding and Reflecting

• interview from resume and questionnaire• integrating experiences

reflecting, questioning• story starters• outline free

Editing without a pen

verbal feedback - question – reflect - discover

Contact us

Rebecca Joseph, PhDgetmetocollege@gmail.com

Sidonia Dalbysdalby@smith.edu

Elizabeth Stoneestone@campanile.us

David Westdwest@syr.edu

http://tinyurl.com/ieca2016boston