Writing a Winning College Admissions Essay

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College Admissions Essay

Why the College Admissions Essay

MattersApplication rates are higher.

Over the past 3 decades, college enrollment rates have increased from 26% to 41%.

Admissions rates are lower.

University of Florida: 2013 (42.21%) vs. 2012 (44.10%.) Ivy League colleges: 90% of applicants are denied

admission. Class of 2018: 6% (Yale) to 14% (Cornell).

The Purpose of the College Admissions Essay

• Distinguish yourself from the other applicants• To show who YOU are beyond a GPA and test score

Unsure of Where to Begin?

Analyze the Essay Prompts1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to

their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Break Down the Essay Prompts

• Story Identity• Incident Failure Lesson• Challenged belief Repercussions Lesson• Meaningful place Experience• Accomplishment or Event Cultural, Community

or Family Growth

New Essay Prompt

We often hear the phrase "the good life." In fact, the University of Florida's common course required of all undergraduate students is titled "What is the Good Life?" The concept of "the good life" can be interpreted in many different ways depending upon the experiences, values and aspirations of each individual.

In a concise narrative, describe your notion of "the good life." How will your undergraduate experience at the University of Florida prepare you to live "the good life"?

Analyze the Essay Prompt

Define: What does the “good life” mean to you?

Describe: Experiences, values and aspirations.

Connect and Apply: Your college goals.

What is the “Good Life?”

Aristotle’s Theory Explained Concept of Excellence = Happiness (virtue) Three Kinds of Virtue:

Moral Virtue – character development Intellectual Virtue – wisdom Interpersonal Virtue – utility

The Three P’s

Purpose: The essay is a snapshot of your life that serves a purpose to show who you are.

Powerful: The essay must be a powerful story that grabs the reader’s attention within the word limit.

Personal: The more personal the essay, the more you will connect with your reader.

Writing About Yourself

How The Writing Guru Can Help You

Brainstorm Draft Revise

“What do I want this college to know about me?”

Brainstorm: Think, Plan and Outline

Draft: Write and Personalize

Evoke emotion. Make your reader cry or laugh. Get personal. Open up about yourself. Be creative and descriptive. Use sensory details.

Revise: Edit and Proofread

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