College Application Essay Writing Workshoption

One of the most daunting parts of the college application for students is the essay. Done well, the essay can significantly help a student’s application in the eyes of the evaluator. Done poorly, a student wastes a precious opportunity to stand out as something other than a GPA and a test score. It is the only portion that gives a student a voice. While students may be well prepared for the analytical writing necessary for an English class, the college essay is entirely a different beast. What makes a college essay work is quite different. This two hour workshop will go over what makes this type of writing unique and will give students the tools to be successful.

During our time together, we will -

• Discuss the components that a quality application essay needs to have
• Discuss what to stay away from writing about in an application essay
• Read some sample essays and talk about what works or doesn't work in them
• Read and talk about the Common Application and UC personal statement prompts
• Complete a few quick-write and brainstorming activities to get essay ideas flowing
• Talk about how to manage the application essay writing process so it does not overwhelm the students during the fall

I'll have a number of handouts to give out on these topics so each student will walk away with some great resources to help continue the process. Unfortunately, there will not be time to for me to read and critique essays that day. I'm happy to read and respond via e-mail or at a future meeting for students who have my college essay package. However, I would like students to bring any essay drafts that they have been working on for a self-critique activity.

This workshop is ideal for students to take at some point between the spring of their junior year and the fall of senior year.