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Writing the College Essay

Writing the College Essay. Why Write It?. So college admissions can evaluate your writing Show you as a person, not a score or transcript Convince them you are an asset to their school. Types of College Prompts. Personal statement

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Writing the College Essay

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  1. Writing the College Essay

  2. Why Write It? • So college admissions can evaluate your writing • Show you as a person, not a score or transcript • Convince them you are an asset to their school

  3. Types of College Prompts • Personal statement Ex., “You have just completed a 300 page autobiography. Submit page 217.” (University of Pennsylvania) • Specific question Ex., “What can you contribute to a multi- cultural world?” (William & Mary)

  4. Advice– Do • Do answer the question accurately • Do find an angle/Use a theme • Do research college info • Do write well w/ correct usage • Do avoid clichés and gimmicks • Do use imagery, details, specifics

  5. Advice– Don’t • Don’t repeat information listed elsewhere • Don’t pick a controversial subject • Don’t bore your reader • Don’t tell; show instead

  6. A Good Essay… • Is thoughtful & earnest • Strives for depth, not breadth • Follows writing rules & format • Answers the question/prompt • Benefits from several drafts and edits

  7. In addition, the essay… • Has a catchy intro • Transforms your blemishes into positives • Demonstrates knowledge • Reveals confidence

  8. Brainstorm Ideas • Goals & dreams • Models & influence • Achievements • Hobbies/ Interests • Childhood experience • Your favorite topic • Current news & affairs

  9. Structure & Outline • Single idea connected logically, smoothly (transitions) • Intro must catch reader (ex., create mystery, raise a question, appeal to emotions) • Conclusion leaves lasting impression • Show with concrete examples • Most sentences about you

  10. Style • Avoid cute, silly, outrageous, offensive • Don’t criticize • Easy to read (no “$1,000 words”) • Show with concrete examples • Don’t just list • Avoid repeating from transcript (unless expanding one point)

  11. Tone • Conversational, but not too personal • Don’t be boring or monotonous • Confident, but not boastful • Self-assured, but not aggressive • Be sincere and honest

  12. Editing & Revising • Don’t start all sentences with “I” • Use sentence variety & active verbs • Type carefully; read it aloud • Use several editors • Answer prompt fully, accurately • No wasted sentences; edit down

  13. And finally, . . . Don’t procrastinate; Meet your deadlines! Created 8/2009 by J. Clarke Thanks to www.classroomclipart.comwww.freefeverclipart.comwww.quintcareers.comwww.collegeboard.comwww.rdhs.org

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