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Essay Writing. How to impress readers with your essays. What Kinds of Essays?. Common App or Main Essay Short Answers Personal Statements Why School X? Scholarship Essays. Essays should communicate 3 things. How well you think How well you write Who you are
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Essay Writing How to impress readers with your essays
What Kinds of Essays? • Common App or Main Essay • Short Answers • Personal Statements • Why School X? • Scholarship Essays
Essays should communicate 3 things • How well you think • How well you write • Who you are • Not just a summary of “what you did”
Common App Essay • Show them something new about you • Use your own voice • Be Unique • Start with a “hook” • Focus on a very brief moment - go “deep”, not “broad” • Use specifics when you describe
Experience you learned from Experience that changed you Experience or moment that defines you Something unique that happened to you Not Death Not Divorce Not Disaster Careful with travel Nothing $$ can buy Don’t blame others Careful with sports - “I was the hero” essays What to Write About
Short Answer • Choose your topic very carefully • It should show a different side of you • Be clear and concise • Don’t go over the word limit
Personal Statement • Discuss anything about you that is not explained in the rest of your application • Examples: • How your year abroad affected your education • Why you were disappointed with your responsibilities as Class President • What you like to do in your spare time • Your relationship with your friends or family • Your education and/or career goals • The statement should be a “quilt” of the many interesting aspects of who you are
Why your school? • Do research! • Come up with several very specific programs, classes, or unique characteristics you like • Explain why you would fit in well with the community on campus • Don’t get the college’s name wrong!
Scholarship Essays • Choose wisely - you can’t do them all • Take your time and write your best • Get feedback from parents/friends/teachers • Tailor your essay based on the type of scholarship
Essay Examples • Piano Recital • Drive to Church • Track Race/Grandpa