The Importance and Guidance for Writing Effective College Essays, Lecture notes of English Philology

Download The Importance and Guidance for Writing Effective College Essays and more Lecture notes English Philology in PDF only on Docsity! The College Essay: the possibilities are endless! How important are college essays? Colleges relying less on test scores; more evidence showing scores have a limited relationship to the liklihood of graduation Not all schools require a personal statement, but students are expected to provide a Personal Statement on the Common Application Give students the opportunity to reveal who they truly are and the personality traits that set them apart Noteworthy shift away from the quantitative towards more abstract ways of evaluating a student A great essay won't make up for a weak transcript, however, a poor essay may call into question whether they are a good match for the school. Essays are used to differentiate a student from other students with similar academic profiles (grades, test scores, extracurriculars). Getting started Common App Prompts for 2022-2023 Seven to choose from and they are the same as last year's prompts. 1.Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? 7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS supplemental essays are additional pieces of writing required by many universities; can be just as revealing and important as your personal statement It's important to feel more connected to yourself and those around you. Ask this question to bring out your vulnerability: Warm Up Exercise: "If you really knew me..." write down something that you wouldn't normally share with someone. A brainstorming activity useful for identifying both your core values and your aspirations; have the foundation you need to write a great personal statement. Values and Needs Exercise: Read through Values List Select the 10 values you connect with most. Of those 10, choose 5. Then your top 3. Then #1. Feelings and Needs Exercise: A strong essay will show a student's self-awareness - knowing what they think, feel and need. Take out a blank sheet of paper and turn it sideways (landscape view) and write along the top these words: CHALLENGES - EFFECTS - FEELINGS - NEEDS - WHAT I DID ABOUT IT - LESSONS LEARNED 1.Don't be too cynical - run the risk of showing a lack of self-awareness or the ability to be open to new ideas. 2. Don't be too overconfident and think you are a "finished" product. 3. Don't be too personal - revealing something too personal may show a problem with boundaries. 4. Lack integrity - Don't reveal too much about past illegal or immoral actions. 5. Don't be cliché or boring - you're trying to make yourself memorable. 6. Don't lack personality - One good question to ask yourself is, "Could anyone else have written this essay?" 7. Don't simple use the essay you wrote in your English class - It is a great start, but you need more time, thought and a different style of writing for your College Essays. You KNOW who your reader is - so write the essay with the Admissions Offer in mind! 8. Always Proofread - then proofread again! MISTAKES TO AVOID Never too early to start thinking about your essays! You will write one in your Junior English Class - use as a springboard Summer between Junior and Senior year put pen to paper Try to have them done before school starts! Think them through; map out some ideas in June Write and re-write in July August edit, share with two other people who can proofread and give feedback Be OPEN to feedback...it will help you! You've got this! when should i start writing my college essays?