Writing a College Application Essay

1.   6+1 Writing Trait Rubric Required for Graduation

2.   The Elements of a College Application Essay

3.   Writing Strategies for a College Application Essay

4.   Sample Writing Prompts

5.   Sample Peer Revision Sheet

6.   Reference List

Scale

Levels of Proficiency

Name

5       Strong

4.5    Between a 4 and 5

4       Competent

3.5    Between a 3 and 4    3       Developing

2.5    Between a 2 and 3      2       Emerging

1       Not Yet

q       Proficient

Score 4’s or higher on all traits, on a high school level essay

q       Proficient with Honors

Assignment Title

Score 4.5’s or higher on all traits in a high school honors level essay.

q       Proficient with High Honors

Date

Subject

Score 5’s on all traits in a high school high honors level essay.

Teachers: Indicate the correct score by circling the correct number or checking the correct column for a half point increment.

Teacher

Advisor

6+1 TraitsÔ Evaluation of Three Essay Types

q       Persuasive Essay

q       College Application Essay

q       Definition Essay

Ideas and Content

Organization

Voice

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

·         Clear/focused relevant thesis addresses all parts of the prompt

·         Accurate, telling quality details

·         The writer is writing from knowledge or experience about the term

·         Reader questions anticipated and answered

·          Fresh, original ideas about the topic

·         Writer uses the suggested writing strategies effectively and enhances thesis as a result

·         Shows insight

·         The order and structure of presentation of information is clear and compelling

·         Thoughtful transitions

·         Quotations are woven into the text in the appropriate format and enhance the text

·         Quotations add to the explanation of ideas and support for the thesis

·         There is explanation on why the writer is using a quote

·         Tone adds interest to the message and is appropriate for purpose and audience

·         Reader feels a strong interaction with writer, sensing the person behind the words

·         Expository or persuasive writing reflects a strong commitment to topic

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency

Conventions

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

·         Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting and natural way

·         Words are specific and accurate

·         Language is natural, not overdone

·         Striking words and phrases

·         Lively verbs, precise nouns

·         Precision is obvious

·         Sentences are constructed to enhance meaning

·         Sentences vary length as well as structure

·         Purposeful, varied sentence beginnings add variety and energy

·         Creative and appropriate connectives

·         The writing has effective cadence

·         Spelling is correct, even on more difficult words

·         Punctuation is accurate

·         Consistent application of capitalization

·         Grammar and usage are correct

·         Sentence structure is accurate

·         Paragraphing is sound and reinforces the organizational structure

·         Writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect—and it works!

·         Piece is ready to publish

Presentation

Teacher Comments

5

4

3

2

1

·          Appropriate use of fonts and font sizes.

·          Use of white space provides clarity and is visually appealing

·          Correct use of a style sheet

·          Titles, page numbering, and bullets make easy access for the reader

·         Effective integration of text and illustrations, graphs, maps, tables, etc.

Graduation Requirement in Communication: Writing Portfolio

The Writing Process

Name

Date

Period

Teacher

Subject

The College Application Essay

Name

Date

Period

Teacher

Subject

Questions about “You”

Personal Statements

Please complete a one-page personal statement and submit it with your application.

 (James Madison University)

Write an essay that conveys to the reader a sense of who you are.

 (Columbia University)

Please write a personal essay, telling the Admissions Committee more about you. This essay ...is your opportunity to speak in your own voice about something that matters to you. The topic of choice is entirely up to you. (Syracuse University)

What is the biggest misconception people have of you and why?

 (Hiram College)

Write your own recommendation for admission...

(Hobart and William Smith Colleges)

Describing a personal event or issue.

Tell us about one of the best conversations you’ve ever had.

(Pitzer College)

Evaluate a significant experience or achievement that has special meaning to you

(common)

Describe any interesting experience you have had during your college admission search.

(Juniata College)

Creative people state that taking risks often promotes important discoveries in their lives or work. Discuss a risk that has led to a significant change (positive or negative) in your personal or intellectual life.

(Simmons College)

Describe the most challenging obstacle you have overcome; discuss its impact, and tell what you’ve learned from the experience.

(Guilford College)

Being a lifelong learner.

To learn to think is to learn to question. Discuss a matter you once thought you knew “for sure,” that you have since learned to question.

(Bryn Mawr College).

How would you describe yourself as a human being? What qualities do you like best about yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you like to see flourish and which would you like to see wither?

(Bates College)

The Pro’s and Cons of the “You” Question

The Positives/Advantages

The Negatives/Disadvantages

1.        It is direct and all about you. Back up your points with real and vivid events from your life.

2.        It is an opportunity to speak for yourself. You essay should reveal your intelligence, personality, insight, and commitment to you education.

1.        It can be too open-ended. Remember to stay focused and not try and discuss every aspect of your being. Beware of the long-winded autobiography.

2.        Tone can be difficult to establish. You don’t want to sound distant and academic when this is supposed to be a personal essay.

Why Our College?

Why have you selected our college?

Why is UVM a good choice for you?

 (University of Vermont)

Tell us about your self, your reasons for applying to USF, and your reasons for seeking a college education.

 (University of San Francisco)

Describe your reasons for selecting Loyola College and your personal and professional goals and plans for college.

 (Loyola College)

Why have you chosen this program, field of study, or profession?

Please tell us about your career goals and any plans for graduate study. (Westfield State College)

We would like to know...what experiences have led you to select your professional field and objective.

 (Boston University)

Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your future goals.

(Georgetown University)

The Pros and Cons of the “Why Us?” Question

The Positives/Advantages

The Negatives/Disadvantages

1.        When schools look for information about your college choices, career choices, or future goals, you get a chance to write about something you are an expert at—YOU!

2.        The focus for your essay is provided—why you choose the school. The proof is right in the catalog.

1.        You might not know your subject well enough because you really haven’t researched the school or profession. For example, you wouldn’t want to apply to UW if your goal is environmental engineering, since UW doesn’t carry that major.

2.        Watch out for tone. You don’t want to be arrogant or too humble. Avoid trying to flatter the reader. Focus on you and your knowledge of the school program, or profession.

Testing Your Creativity and Imagination

Important Issue Question.

Do you believe there is a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others.

 (Denison University).

Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

(Common)

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge that your generation will face? What ideas do you have for dealing with the issue?

(College of the Holy Cross)

What is the value and importance of community service in our society and tell us what it means to you.

(Ohio Wesleyan University)

The hero, role model, or influential person question.

Who do you feel is the strongest Afro-American role model in this century and why?

(Spelman College)

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

(Common)

Talking about books.

Choose a significant book, piece of writing, or research article that you have read in the past year. Explain the author’s thesis and discuss how she or he proves or argues that thesis. Explain why you think the work is significant. (Earlham College)

Discuss some creative work that could serve as the key to the way you see the world and the way you see yourself in the world. The creative work may be a scientific theory, a novel, film, poem, song, or any other art form. (University of Chicago)

Drawing on a quotation.

John Keats said, “Even a proverb is no proverb until your life has illustrated it.” Please tell us about an experience in your own life, which is illustrated in proverb, maxim, or quote that has special meaning to you.

(Duke University)

“Lying is done with words and also with silence.” –Adrienne Rich. (Connecticut College)

Imagining the future.

You have just completed your 300-page autobiography. Please submit page 217. (University of Pennsylvania)

How do you foresee your world in 2020?

(Common)

How do I prepare educationally for 21^st century?

 (Hampton University)

If you were given money to start your own business, what business would you choose and why?

(Bentley College)

An academic essay or school paper.

In lieu of an essay, Lehigh requires each applicant to submit a graded writing sample of reasonable length in any subject.

(Lehigh University)

Please submit a copy of a graded writing sample that you believe will assist us in evaluation of your application.

(Trinity College)

The Creative Question Pro’s and Cons

Positives/Advantages

1)       The school is looking at your creativity and the breadth of your knowledge and education. They may find out if you read the papers, what you have read, and how much you have thought about it.

2)       The focus is provided. You have something to react to.

3)       These questions can actually be fun!

Negatives /Disadvantages

1)       Lack of substance.  Being creative isn’t enough—check your facts. Research can make a difference.

2)       Lack of sense. Don’t get too crazy. Your purpose is not simply to entertain. You want to go to college, too.

3)       Vulgarity is never a good idea and eccentricity can be dangerous.

Miscellaneous Questions

Discussing concepts.

Reflect on the relationship between passion and compassion

(Bennington College)

Defending an opinion.

IS breaking the law ever appropriate under any circumstances? Explain. (Harvard).

Wide open questions

Ask and answer one important question that you wish we had asked. (Carlton College).

What else do we need to know?

 (Unity College)

Writing narratives.

Write a story, play, or dialogue that meets all the following requirements:

a)       Begin with the sentence, “Many years later he remembered his first experience with ice.”

b)       All five sense—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell—have to figure in the plot.

c)       You have to mention the University of Chicago, but please no accounts of an erstwhile high school student applying to the University—this is fiction, not autobiography.

d)       These items must be included: a new pair of socks, a historical landmark, a spork, a domesticated animal, and the complete works of William Shakespeare.

Have fun, and try to keep your brilliance and wit to three pages max. (University of Chicago)

Local College Essay Requirements

The University of Washington

The personal statement, a critical part of your application for admission and for scholarships, is required of all applicants. The University wants you to discuss those aspects of your life that are *not apparent* from information provided on your application or high school transcript. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation will be considered.

Required Topic

All applicants must write on topic #1. In addition, applicants who find topics #2 and/or #3 to be relevant to their life experience are encouraged to write an additional page or two:

1. Describe an event in your life that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

Supplemental Topics

2. Describe any personal hardships or barriers you’ve had to overcome and explain how they have affected your education.

3. In the context of your life experience, describe your understanding of cultural differences, how this awareness was acquired, and how it has affected you.

Format

Type or write your response to topic #1 on 8.5 x 11 white paper. Double-space your lines, and use only one side of the paper. Your statement should be no more than two pages; additional pages will not be accepted. If you choose to write on topics #2 or 3, add an additional page or two. Print your name, the date, and the words Personal Statement at the top of each page, and attach the pages to your application

http://www.washington.edu/students/uga/fr/admission/statement.html

Central Washington University

Describe any special circumstances that you believe should be considered along with this application

http://www.cwu.edu/admissions.html

Western Washington University

1.        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All students are encouraged to write a brief statement to be considered for admission and scholarship purposes. This statement might describe educational goals, significant experiences, school and community activities, multicultural experience, and/or include other information you deem relevant.

2.   All students are encouraged to include any or all of the following information to be used for admission and scholarship purposes. Although not required, we hope you will take this opportunity to help us get to know you.

·         Include information about school and community activities, leadership, and other achievements.

·         Describe your contributions to and/or experiences with multiculturalism. This information is essential for students wishing to be considered for the Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarships.

·         Describe your academic and career goals. Transfer students are encouraged and post baccalaureate students are required to address this question.

·         Include additional information, which will aid us in understanding your academic record, or help us to know you better.

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~admit/UndergradApp.html

Eastern Washington University

Many institutions consider school activities, leadership, community involvement, multicultural experience, and personal hardship or circumstances in reviewing applications for admission and scholarships. Feel free to describe any relevant activities or experiences here. Discuss academic or career goals also. If you attach an additional page, please include your name and social security number.

http://www.ewu.edu/StudentServ/HowTo/

Pacific Lutheran University

The personal essay is an opportunity for you to communicate something important about yourself to us. We are interested in getting to know you as well as possible. The essay will help us to become better acquainted with you in ways not possible from test scores, grades, or other data. Using a separate sheet of paper, please write an essay on one of the following topics:

Please type or print legibly and reference your name and social security number.

1)       Describe an academic experience that has significantly influenced your life.

2)       If you could be any historical or fictional character for one day, whom would you be and why?

http://www.plu.edu/adm/home.shtml

University of California Campuses

q       Berkeley

q       Davis

q       Irvine

q       Los Angeles

q       Riverside

q       San Diego

q       Santa Barbara

q       Santa Cruz

The personal statement is an important part of your application for admission and scholarships. The University uses the statement to learn more about you as an individual and to understand the experiences, accomplishments and points of view that you would bring to the University’s undergraduate student body. The personal statement gives you the opportunity to discuss attributes and experiences that may not be evident through a review of your academic record. Use no more than two sheets of 8 ½ X 11 paper.

Write a two page essay on one or more of the topic listed below:

1)       The University seeks to enroll on each of its campuses an entering class that is academically superior and that embodies a wide range of talents, experiences, achievements, and points of view. Describe the qualities and accomplishments that you would bring to the undergraduate student body at the University of California.

2)       Intellectual vitality is an important value in university life. Describe one of your intellectual achievements—such as a paper, project, production, or performance. Explain not only the achievement, but what you gained from it as well.

3)       It is important for the University to understand the context of each applicant’s accomplishments, both academic and nonacademic. Describe any unusual circumstances or challenges you have faced and discuss the ways you have responded.

http://www.ucop.edu/pathways/getapp.html

University of Stanford

The ability to write effectively will be important to you in college and beyond. This is one reason we ask every Stanford applicant to write a short essay. You may choose EITHER ONE of the two topics below; there is no right choice or wrong answer. Ad with the rest of the application, we trust that the essay will be your own work. We offer a few tips: write an essay that reflects who you are; use specific, concrete details; and write in a natural style. We encourage you to relax as much as possible when you work on your essay.  Your essay should fit in the space provided (about one page).

1)       Select a quote or saying that is particularly meaningful to you and comment on its significance.

2)       If you could relive any day of your life, which would it be and why?

http://www.stanford.edu/group/uga/html/TransApp.pdf

Name

Date

Period

Teacher

Subject

(Sample) Peer Revision Sheet

Student Editor_______________________

Name

Date

Period

Teacher

Subject

Organization

5

Strong

4

Competent

3

Developing

2

Emerging

1

Not Yet

Uses the correct format.

Follows all the directions in the writing prompt.

Format matches purpose and audience, and largely follows the correct format.

Recognizable parts to the writing assignment (Introduction, body, conclusion).

One or more areas may need development.

Beginning to use the proper format, but not very effectively.

Writer does not use or appear to understand the correct format.

The order and structure of presentation of information is clear and compelling.

.

Ideas flow in a logical order that mostly make sense.

Basically follows the correct order (e.g. introduction, body, and conclusion), but details within each section may need reordering or clarifying.

Ideas do not always flow logically.

Writer appears unsure of the correct order or structure for information presented.

Thoughtful transitions create a flow of ideas and cleverly move the reader along.

Transitions help the writer develop from one idea to the next.

Uses transitions.

Uses some transitions. Others appear missing or used inappropriately.

Writing does not flow well because of a lack of transitions. Writing appears to have gaps in logic as a result.

Citations or statistics are cleverly woven into the text.

The writer shows the ability to make intelligent connections between many ideas.

Citations or statistics in the text help support the thesis.

The writer may use citations or statistics to bolster a point, but sometimes the citations may not flow smoothly, or appear to interrupt the text.

Writer attempts to use citations or statistics to bolster ideas in the text, but such attempts may appear awkward or forced.

Inappropriate use of citations or statistics, or a lack of necessary ones.