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The College Essay

The College Essay. Created by: Jeff Busch Last Updated: 10/24/13. Essential Questions . What will I be graded on? What is the purpose of the college essay and how important is it? What types of college essays might I have to write? What are mistakes I should avoid? What should I do?

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The College Essay

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  1. The College Essay Created by: Jeff Busch Last Updated: 10/24/13

  2. Essential Questions • What will I be graded on? • What is the purpose of the college essay and how important is it? • What types of college essays might I have to write? • What are mistakes I should avoid? • What should I do? • How can I tell if my essay is great? • How do I prepare a great college essay?

  3. What will I be graded on? • Class Participation – 10 points (5 per day) • Day 1 – Sample Essay, Day 2 – Writers workshop • First Draft – 30 points • 10 pts. For an outline with a minimum of intro, body and wrap-up • 10 pts. at least 250 words. • 10 pts. For being on time due Monday 10/28 • Second/Final Draft – 60 points • 10 for grammar (minus one for every error) • 10 for spelling (minus 5 for every misspelled word) • 10 effectiveness of hook and wrap up • 10 flow of essay/statement • 10 within word count (minimum 250 words) • 10 points for being EMAILED on time. (Minus 5 points for each day late, not accepted beyond 5 days of deadline.) • Total 100 points

  4. What is the purpose of the college essay and how important is it? • To help schools look at the whole student. • Remember, what sets you apart here at ODY is what is guiding you to apply to a particular college. • Colleges don’t see what you put into that resume and they know some have lots of filler. • The essay lets a college know who you really are as a person. • The more selective the school, the more important the college essay is. • Will the 4 to 5 minutes the admissions officer spends on your essay be memorable or not?

  5. What types of college essays might I have to write? • Optional – don’t be fooled • Personal Statements (creatively share your background, preparation, and goals) • Essay and Supplemental prompts (usually a bit more flexible since the prompts are wide ranging) • 4 types of statements/prompts/essays • Personal Statement • Favorite Activities • Why (Insert school name)? • Intellectual Curiosity

  6. What are some essay mistakes I should avoid? • Don’t be offensive or share about something unethical • Don’t google the topic, plagiarism will be caught • Avoid controversial political topics • Don’t be negative or arrogant. • Beware of over share • Don’t disparage the school you are applying to • Don’t be “too” creative (such as writing a sonnet or poem) • Don’t write too little • Don’t write about fifty things, pick one and take a stand • Remember what your English teacher taught you. • Don’t spell the name of the college incorrectly. • Don’t submit the essay to the wrong college. • If your entire resume is about band camp, don’t talk about band camp in your personal statement/essay.

  7. What should I do? • Be yourself • Make an impression • Use appropriate, colorful, vivid language • Be Descriptive • Share new information • Have a strong opening and closing • Write a rough draft • Read it out loud • Pay attention to word limits • Do not rely on spellcheck • Kasey Urquidez – Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at U of Arizona

  8. How can I tell if an essay is great? • You probably can’t, you are biased. • You can read it out loud to parent, friend, etc. If it sounds awkward, then it is. • Give your essay to someone else with admissions experience and ask them if it does the following… • Go back to the do’s and do not’s on this presentation. • Practice: • Two Sample Essays (groups of three)

  9. What options do I have for the assignment? • Class Options • Common Application Personal Statement • 650 words or less, minimum 250 (new length this year) • 5 prompts (see printout) • SUNY Personal Statement • Any prompt from an actual college. • Handout Option • 500 words or less, use anything from the prompt list on the “Topics to Consider” worksheet.

  10. Assignment Review • Monday (10/28/13) • Outline/Graphic Organizer • 3 comments on sample essay • Intro, Body, Conclusion • Tuesday (10/29/13) • Rough Draft • Monday (11/4/13) • Final Draft emailed before start of English (12:54pm)

  11. Bibliography • http://www.globalcollegesearch.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-personal-statement-and-an-essay/ - retrieved 10/24/13 • http://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/faqs/ - retrieved 10/24/13 • http://www.shmoop.com/college/mistakes-personal-statement.html retrieved 10/24/13

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