ESSAY WRITINGWORKSHOP

The Colleges Say…

If one thing could be perfect, it should be the essay." –

Georgetown Admissions Officer

Who is reading my essay?

Admissions officers are people too!Some aren’t much older than yourselfMore than one person will read your essayDirectors, Associate directors, Faculty

WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE ON PAPER Application Transcript Test Scores Recommendations Activity Resume THE ESSAY

WRITING THE RIGHT ESSAYBRINGS “THE YOU” TO LIFEThe College Essay can… help the college assess your critical thinking

and writing abilities differentiate you from other applicants when

classes, grades and test scores may look the same

help colleges understand your values, attitudes and interests

WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FORIN AN ESSAY? Solid Writing Clear Communication Passion Content Answer the Question

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ESSAYFROM GOING SOUTHControversial subjects are dangerous

Think small…focus on an event, a personal

moment Use vivid details to make it interesting Tell your story in your own voice! Avoid the ‘laundry list’ of accomplishments!

TIPS CONTINUED…Be neat. The presentation of your work will

speak volumes about you. A casual attempt at the essay will

communicate a casual interest in the college PROOFREAD!!! There are sum mistakes hat spell Czech will

knot cache

RECIPE FOR THE COLLEGE ESSAYTHREE PARTS THINKING…

TO ONE PART WRITING…

WHAT IS BRAINSTORMING ?Develop a list of personal achievements,

activities, travel experiences, work experiences. What made you take part in these activities?

Make a mind mapWork in a group!

Treasures and LandminesThings to find and things to avoidAnswer the question!!! Create a strong introductionBe focused and provide detail Use specific examples Always write from the heart – You are not

writing a school research paper Link your conclusion to your introduction

WRITING AT ITS BEST!Chose a topic, reflect then brainstorm Prewrite: notes/ graphics Hook the reader with a great opening sentence Write an outline: beginning-middle-end Write a first draft Edit – have a friend or family member read the

first draft REVISE – REVISE- REVISE Appearance of your final draft is important

How to make your admission counselor laughOr why we proofread…As an extra, we even saw Elizabeth Taylors

home, which had a bridge attaching it to the hoe across the street.

In the spring, people were literally exploding outside!

Handwritten on an application: AP EngllishFrom an activity resume: Cook and serve

homeless.

DO’S & DON’TS FOR YOURCOLLEGE ESSAYDo leave yourself enough time. Good writing

does not happen in one draft Do be specific in your writing topic Do ask someone you trust to read your draft

and tell you what they think Write the essay yourself…if it sounds like a

lawyer (or YOUR MOM) wrote it, they probably did

The only good writing is rewriting!

Ready…set…go!