Introduction
Welcome to our college essay unit! This unit will provide experiences and content to aid you in constructing your college essay!
Task
You will be demonstrating your narrative writing skill an essay that answers one of the prompts given on the Georgia Common App (see prompts below):
Prompt Choices
- 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.
- The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- 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.
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family
Nuts and Bolts
- Approximately 300 words (Just over a page)
- Typed / Double Spaced / TNR 12 pt. font
- Intentional stylistic choices aside, the essay should follow the basic rules of English (grammar / usage / mechanics, etc.)
Process
Use the websites ABOVE each question to answer:
http://www.collegeessayguy.com/guide-values-exercise/
1. Look at this value sorter- What are the top 3 values you chose?
http://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-activities-list-awesome
2. What are 5 ways to make your list of activities sound awesome?
http://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/which-common-app-prompt-is-best
3. paraphrase each of the 5 common app prompts. (you can steal what he did)
4. Based on these, which do you think will give you the best opportunity to showcase yourself?
http://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/four-qualities-amazing-essays
5. What are 4 qualities of an amazingcollege essay?
6. What are two revision tips that can help boost your writing style on this assignment?
Visit this website to get a better understanding of what each prompt is really asking you to do. This is exploratory only- you dont
have to answer any questions for this one.
Evaluation
College Essay Rubric Name___________________ Pd.______
_____ / 20 Purpose- does the essay effectively reveal personal qualities of the writer?
ð Excellent – Any college would be compelled to accept you!
ð Good- Qualities are present, but presentation may be slightly less compelling. Generally, pretty good.
ð Not bad, but may lack in reflection of the author in some way, possibly generic or has imbalance of story and self
ð There is little reflected about the writer here.
_____ / 10 Interest- Does the writer utilize style and story to get and keep the reader’s attention? Is it unique / original / creative in a way that will make it stand out to the reader? Are elements of story present?
ð This is a story told in a way that is sure to engage those college admissions folks- You will stand out for sure!
ð This is generally interesting, but story may lack uniqueness or compelling interest.
ð There are interesting parts, but engagements strategies are inconsistent or lacking.
ð This essay reads more expository with little or ineffective use of story, ineffective at engaging reader.
_____ / 10 Organization- Are organizational structures and strategies effective for content and purpose?
ð Excellent- purposeful organization is clear and effectively supports purpose- shows author’s strategy
ð Pretty good- Organization is generally appropriate with some minor weaknesses in execution.
ð Needs some work- general organization present but seems haphazard or inconsistent.
ð Lack of consistent organization makes this essay difficult to follow in whole or in part.
_____ / 10 Language- is language well-chosen and appropriate to task / purpose / audience?
ð Language is effectively and strategically chosen for task, audience, and purpose.
ð Language is generally effective and appropriate for task, audience, and purpose.
ð Language is ok, but may not serve purpose / task consistently or effectively
ð Revision in this area is needed to help the reader know the writer.
_____ / 10 Verbs- Are passive verbs largely eliminated?
ð Rock start- there are VERY few showing me you took time to revise and fix this issue in your paper.
ð There aren’t too many, and the purpose isn’t negatively impacted, but some could be eliminated.
ð There are a fair amount of “to be” verbs that need to be replaced.
ð Excessive use of passive verbs.
_____/ 10 Grammar / Usage / Mechanics adhere to rules of standard English- except for purposeful stylistic deviations
ð Almost flawless- show a firm command of grammar / usage / mechanics
ð Pretty good- some mistakes, but they don’t interfere with purpose.
ð Not a disaster, but there are multiple mistakes that may distract from the author’s purpose.
ð Significant revision needed- multiple and major mistakes detract from the author’s purpose.
_____ / 10 Writing Process: Does the essay reflect careful and thorough editing and revision?
ð Excellent! Documents show (except in the case of absence) that the writer thoughtfully and carefully edited a peer’s paper and their own and revised accordingly.- college ready!
ð Pretty good- Documents show you took part in the complete editing revision process, but editing or revision may not be as thorough / extensive. – college ready
ð Documents do not support active or thorough participation in the editing / revision process or show skills significantly below grade level.
ð There is little evidence of the editing / revision process.