A Creative Approach to the Common App Essay: Zero to First Draft
This course walks students through crafting a first draft of the Common App essay, with an optional review of their draft. The course centers around a creative writing assignment intended to help students hone their topic and approach.
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. If students so desire, they can submit their work to me for written feedback. It is not required, but recommended.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
This class will walk students through writing a first draft of their Common Application personal essay. Some students have a hard time copy-pasting into essay format. If so, then this short course is for you! I have designed this course for students who prefer a creative approach to personal essay-writing: the key assignment is a creative writing exercise that gets to the root of your "why." Lots of people have great stats, but there's only one of you. The strongest admissions essays showcase that. We will drill into why the Common App asks for what it does, and how to structure a good personal essay, resulting in a finished essay draft. The course is written, with the option of feedback from me along the way. When you finish the course I will give learners written feedback on their finished draft.
Learning Goals
Understanding the "point" of the common app essayHow to choose a topic and draft the common app essay
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
What is the Common App?
This lesson introduces the Common App essay, explains why it's important, and what it adds to your application. 1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Brainstorming Topics
This lesson presents possible topics and guides students through the process of choosing a topic. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Beginning to Write
This lesson eases students into the writing process. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Essay Structure
This lesson explains the structure of the Common App essay. 1 assignment
Other Details
Learning Needs
This course will support students who need a "why" for their assignments. I have made an effort to explain why I am asking for every step. This process will support students with ASD.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been working with students on their graduate school applications for two years, and teaching writing and the humanities in an elite university setting for five. My students have been accepted to highly competitive (6-10% acceptance on average) M.A. and Ph.D. programs. I have also taught stand-alone courses to virtual schooled/homeschooled high school and middle school students on college readiness and application preparation.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$5
weekly5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 15-18
