Scholarship and College Application
Essays
Purpose of the Essay
Opportunity to provide information that supports and augments other parts of the application
Adds clarity, depth and meaning to information collected in other parts of the application
Helps readers know and understand applicants
Purpose of the Essay
The essay helps readers determine if you have the qualities that they are looking for in their applicants.
Readers receive and read thousands of essays from well rounded students with high GPA’s and numerous extra and co-curricular activities. Your job is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants.
Follow the directions in the application
Get started earlyWrite a well crafted and error free
essayBe sincereAsk parents, friends, relatives,
teachers etc. for suggestions
How do I Write the Essay?
How do I Write the Essay?
Avoid clichésShow don’t tellAvoid controversial subjectsTry not to repeat too much information from application
Avoid overused expressions such as rewarding, invaluable, beautiful etc.
Avoid the negative
REMINDERWhile it is acceptable to receive feedback or helpful suggestions, applicants’ essays should reflect their own ideas and be written by them alone.
Steps to Writing an Effective Essay
Gather Information
Read Critically
Develop Topic and Thesis
Draft, Get Feedback, Revise
Think Like a ReaderAll readers have expectations of writers,
revealed in readers’ questions, observations and interpretations of the application.
Writers fulfill readers’ expectations by
addressing these questions, observations and interpretations in the personal statement.
Writers can anticipate readers’ expectations by completing and critically reading their applications prior to writing a personal statement.
Questions?