Importance of the Essay

• KEY to the college application– Set yourself apart

• Exhibit your writing skills• Demonstrate your independent thinking

Make the college say………“I want to meet this student.”

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

What you do in the classroom defines only a part of who you are. How do you spend your time when you are not in class or studying? Focus on one activity, two at the most, and discuss what you have gained from you involvement. (University of California)

Tell us about the best conversation you’ve ever had. (Pitzer College)

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. (common application)

Common Essay Types

Common Essay TypesReflecting on your family’s experiences and personal circumstances, what would you like to tell us that is not already revealed or explained sufficiently in your application? (University of California)

Do you believe there is a generation gap? Describe the difference between your generation and others. (Denison College)

Indicate a person who has had significant influence on you and describe that influence. (common application)

Importance of the Essay

• Topics are meant to be challenging• The essay is weighed more heavily with more

prestigious colleges

Exercise

• Create a list of:

1. Your Personality Traits

2. Your Experiences

3. Your Values

4. People who have influenced you

And think about how they have contributed to your growth.

Tips

• -Be objective• -Stay away from

negative essays• -Make sure all strong

opinions are backed by a strong argument

• -Present all sides of an issue

• -REVISE!

Resources

• 100 Successful College Application Essays -by Christopher & Gigi Georges

• Writing a Successful College Application Essay- by George Ehrenhaft

• The College Application Essay – by Sarah Myers McGinty

• On Writing the College Application Essay – by Harry Bauld

Admission Process

Apply Early!!!!- Watch for deadlines

- Binding or non-binding??

VISIT!!

Make Friends with your AdmissionCounselor…they can be your best friend!!

– Scholarships

Documents

• Letters of Recommendation– Ask weeks in advanced

• High School Transcripts– Contact your registrar or counselor

• ACT/SAT– Usually come on your transcripts but ask to make sure

Process

• Visit• Events• Talent Contacts (Coaches; Directors)• Scholarship Search

Questions?Thanks! And good luck!

Rachel Blood• Admission Counselor• The College of Idaho• rblood@collegeofidaho.edu• 208.459.5317