PDF THE COLLEGE ESSAY

[Pages:40]THE COLLEGE ESSAY

Susan Hanks Senior Associate Dean of Admissions Union College

Monday, June 23, 14

QUESTION

Why an essay?

Monday, June 23, 14

TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO...

? Personalize your application

? Present your writing ability/style

? Share your:

? Ambitions ? Life ? Interests ? Experiences ? Personality ? Passions

Monday, June 23, 14

STARTING OFF: BASICS

? Follow directions

? Answer one of the prompts ? whether on the main application essay or on the supplemental application essays

? Write using proper English grammar

? Adhere to length (use words wisely)

? Keep it generic ? Select a legible font

Monday, June 23, 14

TOPIC SELECTION

? Think it through ? Keep it simple ? Consider how the topic is a reflection of yourself ? Select a manageable topic. Avoid overly ambitious topics like world

peace or the history of your entire life. A good topic is usually a based on a smaller, personal and meaningful experience or insight. ? Be mindful of your audience ? Manage difficult topics ? Careful of what is left unsaid

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WORD CHOICE

? Keep your reader in mind ? Write with an active voice (avoid passive) ? Avoid jargon, unfamiliar expressions ? Use words that you know ? Ask for feedback, but don't lose your own voice

Monday, June 23, 14

NEW LAST YEAR:

? Enforced word limit (250-650)

? 5 new essay prompts (to be reviewed annually)

? Opportunity to edit and submit up to 3 versions of your essay

? Ability to compose your response directly in the application using text entry fields, or cut and paste a response from a word processing program

Monday, June 23, 14

PERSONAL DESCRIPTORS EXERCISE

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