Writing the College Essay

Why Write It?

• So college admissions can evaluate your writing

• Show you as a person, not a score or transcript

• Convince them you are an asset to their school

Types of College Prompts

• Personal statement Ex., “You have just completed a 300

page autobiography. Submit page 217.” (University of Pennsylvania)

• Specific question Ex., “What can you contribute to a multi-

cultural world?” (William & Mary)

Advice– Do

• Do answer the question accurately

• Do find an angle/Use a theme• Do research college info• Do write well w/ correct usage• Do avoid clichés and gimmicks• Do use imagery, details, specifics

Advice– Don’t

• Don’t repeat information listed elsewhere

• Don’t pick a controversial subject

• Don’t bore your reader• Don’t tell; show

instead

A Good Essay…

• Is thoughtful & earnest• Strives for depth, not

breadth• Follows writing rules & format• Answers the

question/prompt• Benefits from several

drafts and edits

In addition, the essay…

• Has a catchy intro• Transforms your

blemishes into positives• Demonstrates

knowledge• Reveals confidence

Brainstorm Ideas

• Goals & dreams• Models & influence• Achievements• Hobbies/ Interests• Childhood experience• Your favorite topic• Current news & affairs

• Single idea connected logically, smoothly (transitions)

• Intro must catch reader (ex., create mystery, raise a question, appeal to emotions)

• Conclusion leaves lasting impression

• Show with concrete examples• Most sentences about you

Structure & Outline

• Avoid cute, silly, outrageous, offensive• Don’t criticize• Easy to read (no “$1,000 words”)• Show with concrete examples• Don’t just list• Avoid repeating from transcript (unless

expanding one point)

Style

• Conversational, but not too personal

• Don’t be boring or monotonous• Confident, but not boastful• Self-assured, but not aggressive• Be sincere and honest

Tone

• Don’t start all sentences with “I” • Use sentence variety & active

verbs• Type carefully; read it aloud• Use several editors• Answer prompt fully, accurately• No wasted sentences; edit down

Editing & Revising

And finally, . . .

Don’t procrastinate;

Meet your deadlines!Created 8/2009 by J. ClarkeThanks to www.classroomclipart.com www.freefeverclipart.com www.quintcareers.com www.collegeboard.com www.rdhs.org