Essay Writing Workshopfor

U.S. University Applications

April 17 and 19, 2012

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*when considering topics

Write something that only YOU could write.

Be genuine and personal.

Focus on one aspect of yourself.

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

Answer the question!

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

DON’Ts!

Flip to page 5

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.

Considering Basic Structure

Beginning, Middle, End

Quality Paragraphs

Let’s look at an example! Turn to Page 6

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.

Bra

inst

orm

on

pag

e 9

Choose ONE Question & ONE Idea

Review your whole listChoose a question for which you had the

most interesting response(s), OR the question where the answers came easily!

Flip to page 10 of your packetComplete the Topic/Concept brainstorm

◦Even if you don’t use this topic later, going through this process a few times is helpful,

◦Use this for each idea you have, if you cannot fill it out, the topic may not be juicy enough!

Ms. T’s Best Writing Tips

Noun / Verb = Concision

Show Don’t Tell = Imagery

Creative Angle

Make CUTS!

Now, go write your essay! Next fall we will have another workshop for students with full drafts, and we will look at these secrets to success:

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!