CUNY Service Corps Essay Writing Guide
Getting Started:
 For the three statement parts of the CUNY Service Corps application you are limited to
1,000 characters for each essay (about 150 words).
 You must be concise, and have one main point and stick to it.
 Begin your essay by doing some pre-writing or brain-storming to pick your topic
sentence.
 If your topic sentence answers the question “What?” try using it at the beginning of your
paragraph and use the sentences that follow to give more detail.
 If you are explaining your point of view on an issue, first present the issue, then described
its impact, finally describe a solution and why it is a good option.
 If your topic sentence answers the question “Why?” try using it at the end, and use the
sentences before to establish reasons for your conclusion.
(Start practicing on the next page.)
1. Practice writing a “what” essay regarding the following questions: Describe a project or
activity that required a serious commitment from you. How did you handle it? Did anything get
in the way of completing the project? Make sure you describe your commitment as well as the
other responsibilities you had to balance.
2. Practice writing a point-of-view essay on this topic: What is one way in which you would like
to make NYC a healthier city, a more resilient and greener city, a better educated city, or an
economically stronger city? Please connect the idea you describe to your academic or career
goals.
3. Practice writing a “why” statement by answering this question: Is there anything else you
would like the selection committee to consider when reviewing your application?
Finishing Up:
 When you’ve finished revise your essays in this workbook, then type your work into
word-processing software like Microsoft Word.
 Your essay may exceed the size limit for the application. Check the length of each essay
by getting a “Character Count:”
o Highlight each response and look to the lower left of your document screen for
the word count, click on this and a pop-up will appear listing some document
statistics. Pay attention to the “Characters (with spaces)” row; this number should
be 1,000 or less.
 It’s a good idea to bring your typed essays along with the questions to the Reading and
Writing Center, a trusted peer or a willing professor for help with revisions and to make
sure your points come across clearly.
 If your essay exceeds the size limit a tutor, peer or professor may help you identify a few
words or a sentence that your work can do without.
Good Luck!