This document summarizes tips for writing a successful college application essay. It provides advice from admissions counselors, such as being clear, concise, creative, and personal. The essay should showcase unique qualities and allow the reader to get to know the applicant. Specific examples and details are important. Common application essay prompts are reviewed. Brainstorming topics and an example structure are presented. The workshop emphasizes writing authentically from one's own experiences and perspectives.

1. Essay Writing WorkshopforU.S. University Applications August 31 and September 1, 2011

2. How to Write a Foolproof College Application Essay A few tips…… Watch and enjoy!

3. Why Universities Require Essays Learn more about you Understand what unique qualities you will bring to the campus See if you are a good “fit” Help them see you more 3-dimensionally Assess your writing ability Evaluate your ability to communicate

4. What Admissions People Say About the Essay “Clear and Concise is the best way to go.” “Take creative risks with it, but be sure it’s correctly written.” “We like it up close and personal.” “Subject must be creative and fresh, not trite.”

5. What Admissions People Say About the Essay “Looking for signs of life – a sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, interesting experiences or perspectives.” “It’s not the most critical part of the process, but it’s often the student’s only connection with the admissions counselor, so present yourself fully.”

6. What Admissions People Say About the Essay “We are not looking for students who all think the same way, believe the same thing, or write the same essay.” “I am advocating essays with a sharp focus that allows for detail. Detail is what differentiates one essay from another, one applicant from another.”

7. Essay Writing Tips – Do’s Write Something that only YOU could write.* Be genuine and personal Focus on one aspect of yourself Tell a good story Avoid gimmicks and cliches Use specific examples and details *Tip taken from: Bauld, H. (2001). On Writing The College Application Essay. New York: HarperResource.

9. Don’t be afraid to have a few experienced, familiar people read the essay.

10. Don’t feel pressured to write about the “Big Moments.” Write about what you know about, even if these seem like “everyday things.”Tips taken from: Bauld, H. (2001). On Writing The College Application Essay. New York: HarperResource.

11. Considering Basic Structure Beginning, Middle, End Quality Paragraphs Let’s look at an example

12. Ms. T’s Best Writing Tips Creative Angle Noun / Verb = Concision Show Don’t Tell = Imagery Make CUTS!

13. The Common App Questions Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc...) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. Look to the END!

14. Brainstorming Topics Topic of choice: A day that altered my perception of control The day I worked the bike race at HSU Patience, flexibility, ability to adapt Sometimes you just can’t stop a woman on a horse. Move from humorous to serious descriptive anecdote

15. Thanks for Coming Today! Word Up & Write On! If you have questions or need help with your essay, please be respectful… Set an appointment with your counselor or teacher re: your essay Be on time for that appointment Bring a copy so you can go through it together Don’t email essays or expect editing from us!