Writing The College Essay: Undergraduate Admissions Officer
Uploaded by
mortensenkWriting The College Essay: Undergraduate Admissions Officer
Uploaded by
mortensenkWriting the College Essay
Stephanie Frances
Undergraduate Admissions Officer
THE AGENDA
Before you start writing
How important is writing an essay?
What type of essay should I write?
The do’s of a good essay
(assigned and personal topics)
The don’ts of a good essay
Some examples
J A C K S O N V I L L E U N I
BEFORE YOU WRITE
It is important to know three things:
• Does the college I am applying to require an essay?
Step 1
• What is my topic?
Step 2
• How long does it need to be?
Step 3
J A C K S O N V I L L E U N I
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ESSAY?
Since many It not only gives Some schools
schools are your admissions will have you
switching to a counselor a look write about a
more holistic into your topic, some
approach to writing, but you about yourself.
admissions, the as a person as Take these
essay can play a well. opportunities to
key role in the really put
admissions yourself on the
process. page.
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What do you believe the great
SAMPLES: threat to the environment is
today?
ASSIGNED
TOPICS Pick a controversial issue and
suggest a solution.
Pick a controversial problem on
colleges campus and suggest a
solution.
Describe an important societal
problem going on today.
http://www.fastweb.com/colleg
e-search/articles/sample-essay-
questions-for-college-apps
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THE DO’S:
ASSIGNED
Answer the
TOPICS Questions
Be Yourself
Have A
Let it Sit and
Confident
Rewrite Later
Conclusion
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Describe a special skill or
SAMPLES: accomplishment that sets you
apart.
PERSONAL
Describe your most meaningful
TOPICS achievement and how it relates to
your future goals.
Describe how you have
demonstrated leadership in and
out of school.
Write a personal statement
detailing what makes you a
www.fastweb.com/college- great asset to the school.
search/articles/sample-essay-
questions-for-college-apps
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THE DO’S:
PERSONAL
Answer the
TOPICS Questions
Be Yourself
Wrap it Up Let it Sit
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THE DON’Ts
Use Other
Reinvent Focus on
People’s
Yourself Numbers
Words
Forget to
Be Repetitive Use Slang Triple-Check
Your Work
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ASSIGNED TOPIC:
GOOD ESSAY
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PERSONAL TOPIC:
NEEDS WORK
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Questions?
Stephanie Frances
sfrance1@ju.edu
904-256-7010
J A C K S O N V I L L E U N I