Essay Writing Workshopfor

U.S. University Applications

August 31 and September 1, 2011

How to Write a Foolproof College Application Essay

A few tips…… Watch and enjoy!

Why Universities Require Essays

Learn more about you

Understand what unique qualities you will bring to the campus

See if you are a good “fit”

Help them see you more 3-dimensionally

Assess your writing ability

Evaluate your ability to communicate

What Admissions People Say About

the Essay“Clear and Concise is the best way to go.”

“Take creative risks with it, but be sure it’s correctly written.”

“We like it up close and personal.”

“Subject must be creative and fresh, not trite.”

What Admissions People Say About

the Essay“Looking for signs of life – a sense of humor,

intellectual curiosity, interesting experiences or perspectives.”

“It’s not the most critical part of the process, but it’s often the student’s only connection with the admissions counselor, so present yourself fully.”

What Admissions People Say About

the Essay“We are not looking for students who all

think the same way, believe the same thing, or write the same essay.”

“I am advocating essays with a sharp focus that allows for detail. Detail is what differentiates one essay from another, one applicant from another.”

Essay Writing Tips – Do’s

Write Something that only YOU could write.*

Be genuine and personal

Focus on one aspect of yourself

Tell a good story

Avoid gimmicks and cliches

Use specific examples and details

*Tip taken from: Bauld, H. (2001). On Writing The College Application Essay. New York: HarperResource.

Essay Writing Tips – Don’ts

• Don’t ask yourself what are “they” asking for. What do YOU have to say?

• Don’t be afraid to have a few experienced, familiar people read the essay.

• Don’t feel pressured to write about the “Big Moments.” Write about what you know about, even if these seem like “everyday things.”

Tips taken from: Bauld, H. (2001). On Writing The College Application Essay. New York: HarperResource.

Considering Basic Structure

Beginning, Middle, End

Quality Paragraphs

Let’s look at an example

Ms. T’s Best Writing Tips

Noun / Verb = Concision

Show Don’t Tell = Imagery

Creative Angle

Make CUTS!

The Common App Questions1) Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk

you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

2) Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

3) Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

4) Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc...) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

5) A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.

6) Topic of your choice.

Lo

ok

to t

he

EN

D!

Brainstorming Topics

Topic / Question

Episode, Event,

Experience

Creative Angle

Tone

Elements of ethos

First Line

Topic of choice: A day that altered my perception of control

The day I worked the bike race at HSU

Patience, flexibility, ability to adapt

descriptive anecdote

Move from humorous to serious

Sometimes you just can’t stop a woman on

a horse.

Thanks for Coming Today!

Word Up & Write On!

If you have questions or need help with your essay, please be respectful… ◦Set an appointment with your counselor

or teacher re: your essay◦Be on time for that appointment◦Bring a copy so you can go through it

together◦Don’t email essays or expect editing

from us!