Day #1 -
What are our fears about the college admissions process? (Index card)
The importance of a strong essay
How does good short fiction work?
Read haikus & 6-Word fiction
Carver & Hemingway’s Bar Bet
“Three Minute Fiction” - What works? What doesn’t?
Tips from Carleton College
Brainstorming Session (Personal Chalk Talk, Word Web, Wordle)
HW - Six 1st sentences (connected to the Common App questions, Pick at least three questions, write two for each)
Day #2 -
Present Six Opening Sentences
From the Common Application - Minimum of 250 words:
1) Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2) Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
3) Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4) Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
5) Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Peer discussion of your “six”
What do College Admissions counselors say?
Day #3 -
Outline and Introduction Due for two essays
Don’t
Peer critiques 2X (some ideas found here)
Day #4 -
First Draft Due (strict 650 word)
Working on the Conclusions - the “So What”
Conferences with me
Day #5 -
Final Draft Due (maybe)
What doe the supplemental essays look like? Research your college list
First and last sentences read aloud
What do I do know? Fill in on your paper calendar
What are our fears about the college admissions process? (Index card)
The importance of a strong essay
How does good short fiction work?
Read haikus & 6-Word fiction
Carver & Hemingway’s Bar Bet
“Three Minute Fiction” - What works? What doesn’t?
Tips from Carleton College
Brainstorming Session (Personal Chalk Talk, Word Web, Wordle)
HW - Six 1st sentences (connected to the Common App questions, Pick at least three questions, write two for each)
Day #2 -
Present Six Opening Sentences
From the Common Application - Minimum of 250 words:
1) Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2) Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
3) Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4) Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
5) Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Peer discussion of your “six”
What do College Admissions counselors say?
Day #3 -
Outline and Introduction Due for two essays
Don’t
Peer critiques 2X (some ideas found here)
- Read through it once w/o any guiding questions
- Alert your reader to any concerns you have before they begin to read.
- Ask the writer what you can be looking for as you read their essay.
- Ask questions and take notes as you’re discussing your writing.
- Respond as a reader, pointing out where things don’t make sense, read smoothly, etc.
- Be positive.
- Be honest.
- Be specific.
- Don’t feel obligated to use your reader’s advice
Day #4 -
First Draft Due (strict 650 word)
Working on the Conclusions - the “So What”
Conferences with me
Day #5 -
Final Draft Due (maybe)
What doe the supplemental essays look like? Research your college list
First and last sentences read aloud
What do I do know? Fill in on your paper calendar
- Complete application
- Have my completed essay read
- Complete essay
- Final ACT/SAT times
- College visits left
- Alumni contacts
- Teacher recommendations (ask & collect)
- Applications in the mail
- Interview times