Steps for College and/or Scholarship Essays 

Choosing a topic

I recommend you use a prompt from the college to which you will likely apply.  Check your dream school's website for the essay topic.

If you are unsure, use one prompt from the 2017-18 Common App.
2017_common_app_prompts.pdf 

Thinking about it

After visiting the application, think about which prompt fits your style...JUST Think!

Brainstorming

Ask yourself dozens of questions about the prompt.  Talk out loud, think out loud...pen in hand.
Brainstorming isn't just a one time deal.  Consider all you need to do with the essay.

Picking your best idea

Craft your thesis.  Build one clear concise sentence that will set the focus for your essay.

Outlining

Create a outline that you will use.  Include the essential points you will make with specific examples you might use.

Creating an intro

Time to start writing...Put lots of time into that introduction.  Remember first impressions count...Get the admissions committee to want to read your essay!  Click on the picture, if you need help writing the intro.

Writing Sloppy Copy

Just write it!

Editing first draft.

Grammar help

Putting it away & playing

Give yourself a break!

Take a break.

Go back to it with a fresh outlook.

Detailing

Now it is time to detail. Remember rhetorical elements.  5-10-20 formula, imagery, get rid of all forms of BE, standard formal English is a must!  No you's nor contractions!  No need for "I think" or "I believe."

Revising

Click on the link and follow the checklist and revise your essay for Draft 3.  Bring your revision to class on Tuesday, May 16th for peer editing.

Publishing

USE MLA formatting  

Share it with me in Google Drive

Submit a hard copy for scoring

TURN IT IN ON TIME

Getting Feedback

What are you going to do with it?

Fix your errors.  Edit again based on feedback.


Keep it in your Google Drive.