College/Scholarship Essay -- Senior English
The college or scholarship essay is usually an expository/argumentation structure, but not
always. Some colleges ask for a narrative, but more often than not colleges require an
expository piece with narrative examples. As such, there is plenty of room for the
closeness of the first person, description, sensory language, and even dialogue as well as
a casual voice and tone. However, many of these essays also have a limit on the amount
of words you may use, so your writing needs to be precise. As a class, we will explore
the genre of exposition/argumentation and narration in your first essay.
I've included the Common Core Standards that we will be using to guide our work. One
of the most important things to learn from this assignment, however, is how to structure
and identify what an essay question is asking. I have included a list of college/scholarship
essay topics below for you to choose from.
Standards Addressed in this Unit:
W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. a. Introduce a topic; b. Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant details and examples c. Use appropriate and varied transitions d. Use precise language, domain-­‐specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic. e. Establish and maintain a formal style f. Provide a concluding statement or section W3: Write a narrative that develops real or imagined experiences using well-­‐chosen details and well-­‐structured event sequences in the form of a personal essay. a. Engage the reader by setting out a problem. b. Use techniques of narration. c. Sequence events so they build on one another. d. Use precise words and phrases. e. Provide a conclusion that reflects on what is experienced. Requirements:
Refer to the list of college essay prompts. You will choose one of the prompts and write a
2-3 page typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, MLA format essay. Your essay will be
scored according to the accompanying rubric. Due dates will follow.
12th-Grade NCSD Common College/Scholarship Essay Prompts
1. What is the best advice you ever received? Why? And did you follow it?
2. Select a creative work -- a novel, a film, a poem, a musical piece, a painting or other
work of art -- that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view
yourself. Discuss the work and its effect on you.
3. What are the responsibilities of an educated person?
4. How would you describe yourself as a human being? What quality do you like best in
yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you most like to see flourish and
which would you like to see wither?"
5. “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for
existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity,
of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries to comprehend only a
little of this mystery every day.” ~ Albert Einstein. Write about a personal experience or
an aspect of the world that has engaged your curiosity or inspired awe in you.
6. Personal Statement: What are your educational and career goals and how do they
relate to your studies at
(insert college or technical school in
the blank).
7. Explain how you have helped your family or made your community a better place to
live. Please provide specific examples.
8. Describe a personal accomplishment and the strengths and skills you used to achieve it
9. Describe a challenge or obstacle you faced in the last ten years. What did you learn
about yourself from this experience?
10. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical
dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.