The College Application

A Personal Essay-Structure and Tips

What is it?

• This is your personal introduction to the school

• This is the only part of the application process over which you have complete control – so don’t waste it!

• Its purpose is twofold: – To sell yourself as a writer– To sell yourself as a person

You the Writer…

• How well do you use language?• Can you organize your thoughts, and are

your thoughts original?• Do you have a firm grasp on grammar and

mechanics?• Can you proofread?• Are you up the challenge of college level

writing?

You the Person…

• Can you demonstrate insight?• Are you self-aware? Creative? • How do you view the world around you?• What makes you tick?• Are you right for the college? Is the

college right for you?

The Essay

• Length: Most colleges ask that you keep the essay around 500 words. – Make your essay as close to one page as

possible (11 pt. font, 1.5 spacing, etc.)

• This is a personal essay. – That means the use of I and me (first person)

is okay.

The Attention-Getter

• Very Important! First impressions here are more crucial than ever.

• Terrible First Sentences Hall of Fame:– “Different experiences in a person’s life are

what shape who they are.” Duh.– “It is hard to pinpoint human nature.”– “Every book is made up of words.” Duh.

• What? Seriously- COME ON!

Great Attention-Getters

• “Who wants to make flaming bubbles today?”

• “of the big sweaty guy next to me – a mixture of pig farm and road kill, I think.”

• “The name ‘restroom’ is quite contradictory: when you are in the restroom, you do not reel restful – you have an uncontrollable desire to leave.”

Structure-Part 1

• The first half (ish) is where you sell yourself as a writer

• Spend some time telling an interesting story or explaining your topic. Remember this is a short essay, so don’t take too long.

• Still use good paragraphs, but be flexible• Thesis: Still needs one, but doesn’t have

to be at the end of the first paragraph IF you can do it right.

Structure- Part 2

• The second half is where you sell yourself as a person

• Explain how your first part shows off your desirable qualities as a student that you would bring to the college

• Show insight! What have you learned along life’s way?

• Why should the school take you?

Conclusion

• Short: 2-4 sentences• Leave a lasting impression• Incorporate the future!• Tell the admissions officers why they

should pick YOU: you’ll be a good student, you’ll succeed, you’ll continue doing what the essay shows about you, etc.

Caution to the Wind! (Within reason)

• The average high school student can write a nice 5 paragraph essay – COLLEGES DON’T WANT AVERAGE!

• Set your application essay apart– Attention getter is very important– Unique perspective on your topic– Break the 5 paragraph model – Dialogue– Reference your intro in your conclusion– Your grammar and mechanics must be

PERFECT.

Where to start…

• Pick a question• Start brainstorming

– Just remember, whatever you think of off the top of your head will be the same as everyone else who is writing on the same topic

– Dig deep.– The dig deeper.– Then deeper still.