Writing a College Application Essay

1.

2.

Writing a College Application
Essay
Tips for applying to university

3.

What is a College application essay?
One or more short essays - usually 1-2 pages in length
Usually, you will be able to choose one of several essay
prompts.
A chance to introduce yourself, tell the selection
committee who you are

4.

Common Application Prompts
1. 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.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.
Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and
what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted
your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. 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.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal
growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track
of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn
more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one
that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

5.

What information should you include?
• Pay attention to the essay prompt
• Consider each prompt and choose
the best one for you.
• Pay attention to each part of the
question. They will usually ask two
or more questions in each prompt
• Include at least one detailed
personal story
• Use the principle of “show” not
“tell”
• Make sure all of the information is
new in each essay.

6.

What should NOT be included?
• Do not repeat information from other
essays, short answers, test scores,
transcripts, or resume
• This is not an academic essay, so use
your own voice!
• Do not use formal or business language
• Do not go off topic.
• The topic is you, your background, and
your future.

7.

Essay Structure
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
INTRO
BODY
CONCLUSION
This is the most important part of the essay.
You should grab the readers attention in
the first sentence or two. Anecdotes are
effective here. Include a thesis statement at
the end of the introduction. Your thesis
should be a road map for the rest of your
essay.
Depending on the length of your essay, this
will be 1-3 paragraphs. Focus on
supporting your thesis. Write with clarity,
and use a lot of details for personal stories.
Describe how you were
thinking/feeling/perceiving during the event.
.
Leave them with a lasting impression.
Remember not to simply summarize your
essay.

8.

Recap
• What is the purpose of a college
application essay?
• What should you remember to include?
• What should you NOT do?
• What is the most important section of
your essay?
• Start writing early. Do not wait until the
last minute!
• Write an outline with your ideas before
you start writing
• Remember to correct grammar and
spelling errors.
• Read it out loud
• Ask others to read it

9.

Thank You