College Essay Writing
Tips and Techniques
Getting Started
Advice from Those
Already Accepted:
Start working on
your essays now!
Why are essays important?
 The essay is the only subjective part of the
application
 Tell the reader something they can’t find
anywhere else in the application.
 Talk about something you are passionate
about.
 The essay demonstrates your ability to write
clearly and concisely on a selected topic and
helps you distinguish yourself in your own
voice.
Types of Essays
Personal Statement- Writing your personal
statement can be one of the most satisfying--or
frustrating--writing experiences you'll ever have.
• HOW the essay provides evidence of your
achievements that isn't reflected in other parts
of your application
• HOW and WHY the events that you describe
have shaped your attitude, focus, and, most of all,
your intellectual vitality
Types of Essays
Leadership Essay
- give your definition of leadership
- describe situations in which you have been
a leader
- show how each situation fits your definition
of leadership
Types of Essays
Professional Statement
- tell your aspirations and relevant
personal experience
- be sure that your aspirations match the
school to which you are applying
- Give details: tell why you have those
aspirations and details
- be clear about your intentions
Essay Tips
Answer the Question!
Write a rough draft and have others read it
Be descriptive; use specific examples
Don’t make a list, tell a story.
PROOFREED!!!!!
Deal Breakers
Don’t mention the wrong school in your
essay.
Keep to the word limit.
Good grades, good ACT, short, weak essay
= LAZY.
Be very careful about touchy subjects. (The
D’s)
DON’T: ramble, make your essay true
confession time, forget the purpose.
What do I write about?
Brainstorming List
Start with a concept map

Gives you many ideas

Shows your passion

Allows for deep thought and reflection on your
feelings toward your activities and goals.
3 adjectives/personality
traits you would use to
describe yourself. 3
traits others would use
to describe you
Goals: Where do you
see yourself in the
future?
Extracurricular
activities/volunteer
experience/jobs
NAME
5 people you admire
(dead or alive) an Why
2 times that you failed.
2 times you were
successful
2-4 things which you
consider yourself very
knowledgeable about
•Teach daughters
•Better health benefits
•Get to Shop!
•Fun
•Healthy
•creative
Basketball
Hip-Hop
Dancing
Cooking
Extracurricular
activities, volunteer
experience, jobs
Reading
So now what?
Fill out the concept map
If you need help, come see a counselor
Start your personal statement and let
someone read it- counselors like to
Check out schools websites for essay topicsU of I posts in late June early July
START SOMETHING NOW!!!!!!
Common Application
Some students have a background, identity, interest,
or talent that is so meaningful they believe their
application would be incomplete without it. If this
sounds like you, then please share your story
The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental
to later success. Recount an incident or time when
you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and
what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or
idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make
the same decision again?
Common Application (cont)
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like
to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research
query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal
importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance
to you and what steps you took or could be taken to
identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal,
that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood
within your culture, community, or family.
650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if
you need to but do not feel obligated to do so. The
application will not accept a response shorter than 250
words.
Probable U of Illinois Prompt
Explain your interest in the major you selected.
Describe an experience related to this area of
study, what first introduced you to this field,
and/or your future career goals. If you're
applying to the Division of General Studies,
explain your academic interests and strengths
or your future career goals. You may include
any majors or areas of study you're currently
considering. Limit your response to 300 to
400 words.
Writing Advice
From Stacey Kostell, Former Director of
Undergraduate Admissions at the University
Illinois:
When writing your application essays, it is vital
that you answer the question asked and
address any specific criteria noted. I’ve read
thousands of essays and have realized that
there are the five factors shared by all
successful applicants.
Five Factors
Be prepared. Slow down and fully consider the
questions and your answers. You should then
create an outline, write a first draft, and edit
multiple times.
Be personal. Provide specific examples of your
experiences and goals. Generalizations do not
help the admissions committee get a sense of
who you are and why you’ll make the most of
your time at the university.
Five Factors, cont.
Be direct. Choose your words wisely in order
to clearly state your message. Many
universities have a word limit on responses,
which means there is no room for fluff.
Be focused. There is no need to repeat your
transcript. Instead, share how your
qualifications will be a benefit to you at the
university.
Five Factors, cont.
Be professional. Submit the best possible
essays, free of spelling and grammatical
errors. You should proofread and edit them
yourself; however, request critiques from
counselors, teachers, and your parents. It’s
always helpful to have feedback from
readers.
More advice:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/96
6/01/
Be on the look out in the fall for….
COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
FOR SENIORS.




Application and Essay Workshops in August
Common App/ Check list/ Naviance
Bring in an already started essay for the
counselors to edit/critique.
Bring in the essay prompt and get help with
starting the essay.
 Thank you for attending!
 Questions?