Writing a College-Entrance Essay
You've done a lot of reflecting on who you are and who you want to be in the future. You've researched a few schools that can help you achieve that future and have gathered details about your qualifications. It's time to start the application process. Remember that last word: process. You probably won't be able to complete everything all at once. Online applications allow you to log in, save work, and return as you get the pieces pulled together. Fill out what you can, supply your transcripts, and arrange for whatever fees you might have.
Most importantly, take some time analyzing the college-entrance prompt and writing your response. Do your work in a separate document and go through revisions and edits before pasting everything back into the application. The following activities will support you as you draft your response.
Writing to Analyze the Prompt
Before you can write a college-entrance essay, you need to understand what the college wants you to write about and why. Carefully read and analyze the prompt by asking the PAST questions about it:
Write an essay that introduces us to who you are. Tell us about a particular life experience, talent, commitment, or interest you have. Explain how your presence will enrich life on campus.
- Purpose: Why am I writing? (to introduce myself, telling how I will enrich life on campus)
- Audience: Who will read my writing? (admissions officers)
- Subject: What am I writing about? (a particular life experience, talent, commitment, or interest I have)
- Type: What form should my writing take? (an essay)
Analyze the college-entrance prompt.
Copy the college-entrance prompt. Then write answers to each of the PAST questions. Make a copy of this Google doc or download a Word template.
College-entrance prompt:
- Purpose: Why am I writing?
- Audience: Who will read my writing?
- Subject: What am I writing about?
- Type: What form should my writing take?