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College Admissions Essay Writing

+What is the purpose?

To persuade the college admissions officer to admit you to her/his school.

To paint a positive picture of yourself as a potential student.

To demonstrate your ability to write and articulate your ideas in words.

To show that you have researched and thought carefully about the college to which you are applying. It shows, in your own words, why you and the college would be a good “match.”  

+U.S. News & World Report

A survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) identified 8 Big Changes to College Admissions in 2010 and 2011.

More emphasis on application essays. The percentage of colleges that give essays lots of weight rose from 14 percent in 1993 to 26 percent in 2009.

+What an Admission Committee Looks for:

A well written essay. Be sure to use proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax.

Content. Your essay should answer the college essay prompt question truthfully and insightfully.

Creativity. Admission committees are reading thousands of essays responding to the same question. Make sure yours is one that stands out.

+The Essay Writing Process

1. Prewriting Brainstorm Discover your

strengths Create a Self-Outline Find patterns and

connections

2. Drafting Introduction, Body,

and Conclusion

3. Editing Let it cool Feedback time Edit down Proof read two more

times

+Application Essay Do’s:

Plan ahead. A good essay needs time for planning, time for writing, and time for revisions.

Read all directions carefully and follow them explicitly. If the essay directions state no more than 500 words, stick to the limit.

Be positive and upbeat in your approach even if the topic is not.

Emphasize what you have gained or learned from an experience.

Write in the active voice, and avoid the second person (the use of “you”).

Use unconventional fonts or formats (such as Times New Roman)

Always make copies of everything, just in case.

+Application Essay Don’t’s: Don’t overdo the language in an attempt to sound

intellectual.

Don’t be redundant by just repeating things about yourself that are stated elsewhere in your application.

Don’t be afraid to highlight your strengths and talents in the name of modesty.

Don’t try to be cute, use inappropriate language, or take liberties with the given topic.

Don’t rely on words and thoughts of others.

Don’t forget to proofread, proofread, proofread!

Don’t introduce yourself to the committee: “Hello, my name is_____ and I’m _____” .

+16 Most Common Mistakes in Essay

Writing1. Not answering the question.

2. Showing that you know nothing about the school

3. Parroting back what’s on the website or brochure

4. Assuming the persona of who you think the school wants

5. Not revealing enough about you

6. Trying to be funny when you’re not

7. Forgetting to tie in your goals with the school

8. Not writing about your individual achievements

9. Writing a resume in paragraph form

10. Not explaining what you have learned

+16 Most Common Mistakes in Essay-Writing

11. Running out of time

12. Not having a point

13. Weak introspection or analysis

14. Skimping on editors

15. Losing your voice through the editing process

16. Not proofreading

Top Ten Tips for Writing a FANTASTIC College Essay!

1. ANSWER THE QUESTION!2. Stay within parameters. (Getting creative is okay, straying is not.)3. Focus on your strengths, passions, and what makes YOU unique!4. Focus on FIT: know enough about the college to know why it’s a

good choice for you.5. Structure is essential- 1/3 set up and 2/3 story. 6. Discuss how you have changed and grown in high school.7. Make it representative of YOUR work. If a college does not think

you are the primary writer they are not going to think you are a good candidate for their school.

8. START EARLY!9. Recycle! Once you write a great essay, you can use it for other

schools. (But make sure to change important words, i.e. don’t tell Michigan State why Grinnell College is such a great fit for you!)

10. Don’t take the essay lightly. Essays are often the first and most read items on your application. They are also often the clincher in a close decision regarding admissions.

+CKSR Assignment

Assignment:

Students who are happy with their CKJR essay – submit a new writing sample of choice (may be an non-Common App school essay or a Common App Supplement essay)

Students who are NOT happy with their CKJR essay or did not write one – pick a prompt from a school you plan on applying to and write the essay (may be Common App or not)

This is due: OCTOBER 11, 2012

"Don't write an essay that any one of a thousand other seniors could write, because they probably will." - William Poirot