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How to write an AMAZING College Essay and/or Cover Letter

Hooray!. How to write an AMAZING College Essay and/or Cover Letter. Get out a pen and paper and let’s go! =). Section #1: College Essays. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself for any college essay (or essay in general) We’re going to practice this as a class…right now!. Think About Yourself.

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How to write an AMAZING College Essay and/or Cover Letter

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  1. Hooray! How to write an AMAZING College Essay and/or Cover Letter Get out a pen and paper and let’s go! =)

  2. Section #1: College Essays • It’s a good idea to prepare yourself for any college essay (or essay in general) • We’re going to practice this as a class…right now!

  3. Think About Yourself • Consider how many essays are read…you need to be a UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL (which you already are!) • #1: What makes you stand out? What are your best qualities? List three weaknesses and three strengths.

  4. #2: Choose one… • Now, from that list, choose ONE positive quality you feel you could write about and would stand out to a college essay committee. • “I am a very ___________ person” • Write down two to three examples • For instance, I might put: “I am a very caring person because it is my personal goal to see all my students succeed”

  5. #3: Tell a story… • "Tell a story about an experience or time when you showed you were a very _________ person." Use the characteristic you identified in #2. • You have the next 10 minutes to work on this…ready? GO!

  6. What are colleges looking for? • Colleges want you to be unique. Think about how many essays they read! • Stand apart from your “transcripts” • A well written, focused, creative and “correct” essay • Even I have to read a million (give or take ;) ) essays a year from students…the ones I still remember are the ones who took a leap of faith and were creative, honest and “had fun” with the prompt. • (www.workbloom.com)

  7. Examples… • You will generally have three types of essays to choose from…. • THE YOU ESSAY • THE WHY US • THE CREATIVE ESSAY

  8. #1: The “YOU” Essay Question • Schools, such as James Madison University, will ask a student to write a personal statement • Once again: this gives you the freedom to unique • THINK ABOUT OUR PAST WEEK WITH OUR RESUME WORK

  9. #2: The “Why Us” Essay Question • There are so many schools for you to chose from…WHY are you choosing this particular school to apply to? • University of Vermont is one school that asks the question: “Why is UV a good choice for you?” • Search the school’s website. Find a few SPECFIC aspects that interest you and put this in their essay • For example, maybe you love to write and that school has a great writing center

  10. Why is it important to write differently depending on your college prompt? • Different prompts call for different ideas- STAY FOCUSED • Be unique (have I said this enough yet?) • For example: If a college is asking you to describe yourself, don’t talk about someone you’d like to meet

  11. #3: The “Creative” Essay Question • "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." (Common Application) • This is a way for you to show and MARKET your ideals, views, and what you have experienced and learned thus far in your life • Research the person you choose!

  12. Section Two: Cover Letters • We use cover letters to introduce ourselves to a company and give more of a personal response • Think of it as a company’s “essay”

  13. Section One • Contact Information • Just like we’ve used for the resumes • Put both your contact information as well as the employer’s contact information

  14. First paragraph • Mention… • WHY you are applying for the position. • What is the exact position you are applying for? “I am applying to be a ______ in your ________ department” • Paragraph one invites the reader to continue reading or to put the cover letter and resume down and move to someone else!

  15. Middle paragraphs • What can you offer this employer? • What skills and experience do you have that you can bring to the table? • Make a connection between YOUR ABILITIES and THEIR NEEDS • Support with evidence (“I am a dedicated team leader, as I was nominated to be captain of the football team at my high school…)

  16. Final paragraph • Thank the employer for considering your resume • You may want to say something like “if chosen, I am confident I will make a difference at your company” <-Reassure them • You may also want to indicate that you will be following up with a call or email to confirm the selection process • “I just wanted to touch base and see if you had received my resume and cover letter…”

  17. Closings • Sincerely, Press enter twice Sign your name (with a pen!) Type your name underneath it

  18. What to leave out… • TMI! • Unprofessional words • Contractions For example, use DO NOT instead of DON’T

  19. Keep In Mind… • if you want to appeal to large businesses, then keep this in mind throughout your cover letter and resume (just like your objective!) • Remember who your audience is • Each essay and cover letter should be edited so that it fits the prompt or specific job

  20. Now… • Pick either an essay prompt or cover letter and begin a rough draft! • Tonight… • Your homework is to research a college or company you will be applying to. BRING IN DOCUMENTATION OF THIS (the essay prompt or business application)

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