Aim: How can we write an effective college essay?

DO NOW: Write the worst pick up line you have ever heard (or used). If you finish, write more.

HW: HW: Bring college essay materials to class tomorrow.

College Essay due MONDAY, 10/21!!!!

Complete the survey on the first page of the packet.

College Essay• You are required to submit a College Essay to

receive credit for 12.• Essay should be between 250 and 650 words. • You may choose a topic from the Common App

or you may write on another topic of your choice.• You will have 2-3 days in the writing lab or

library to work on your essay.• Essay is due at the end of class on Monday,

10/21. • You may use part(s) of your Autobiography in

your college essay.

Common App Essay

Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you needit, but don’t feel obligated to do so. (The application won’t accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

• 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. • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? • Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? • Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Procedure: step 1• Brainstorm ideas for your essay

– Use the autobiography and the essay task to begin

– Ask others what they think about you (strengths/weaknesses, etc.)

– Write down the ideas on paper in some kind of list or graphic organizer. How might they flow together – form a rough outline.

– This entire prewriting/brainstorming should take less than 20 minutes – don’t get hung up on any one thing.

Procedure step 2

• Write your essay– The introductory section should grab (no

mechanical grabbers) and give an idea of the essay theme

– Body – show, don’t tell this idea– Conclude briefly by explaining the meaning of

the evidence in answering the task

Procedure step 3

• Editing– STEP AWAY FROM THE ESSAY!!!

Let your head have a break before you edit and proofread.

– Get feedback (ask me or someone you trust).– Get rid of unnecessary words. If it can be

said in 2 words rather than 10, use 2 words.– Proofread again for typos, errors, punctuation

(form/from the/teh then/than affect/effect).– Proofread one more time to enjoy your piece.

What not to do:

• Don’t write the essay that anyone could. At the end of your essay, read and ask yourself if anyone could have written it. Do this by:– Using voice, the quality of writing that lets your

personality enter the piece.– Avoid robotic recitations, or forcing lots of

words into something that needs only a few.– If you write about a common experience, write

about it in an uncommon way.– AVOID CLICHES!!!

Avoid these

1. I always learn from my mistakes.

2. I know my dreams will come true.

3. I can make a difference.

4. _________ is my passion.

5. I no longer take my loved ones for granted.

6. These lessons are useful both on and off the field (or other sporting arena).

7. I realized the value of hard work and perseverance.

8. _________ was the greatest lesson of all.

9. I know what it is to triumph over adversity.

10. _________ opened my eyes to a whole new world.

Personal, but not too personal

• Don’t embarrass the reader. You want to get personal, but you don’t want the reader to be shocked or embarrassed by personal things that are best left personal.

• Don’t let pity be the tone of your essay. If you have had struggles, challenges or hardships that you want to discuss, talk about them in a way that shows your strength and resilience.

Don’t try to end world hunger.

• Unless forced to address a big political issue, try to steer clear of an “hot” topic.

• You don’t want to risk creating hostility between you and your audience.– For example, you wouldn’t voice pro-choice

views while applying to a Catholic school.

Perfection in imperfection

• Don’t aim for the perfect college essay. They are rare, especially the knock-your- socks-off ones. Instead, give them a slice of yourself – honest, positive, but honest.

Aim: How can we begin our college essay?

Do Now: Vocab Unit 2 Quiz

HW: Bring college essay materials to class tomorrow.

Essay due Monday 10/21

Use the remainder of the period to begin brainstorming and writing a rough draft of your essay.

Thursday,10/17/13and

Friday, 10/18/13• Aim: How can we continue writing our

college essay?

• Do Now: Continue planning and writing your essay.

• Individual conferences will continue.

While in the lab…

• Continue planning, writing, revising your college essay.

• You must conference with me at least once by the end of class on MONDAY!!!

• Essay is due by the end of class on Monday!!!