Ace Your Admissions Essay Camp: College Application Narrative Tips and Tricks
Through interactive lessons, students will learn learn how to craft compelling essays that stand out to admissions officers, covering everything from captivating introductions to reflective narratives.
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework assigned for this class is optional but highly encouraged, as it provides valuable opportunities for students to practice and refine their college essays outside of class time. Each week, students will be given writing prompts or exercises related to the topic covered in that lesson. These assignments are designed to help students apply the concepts and techniques learned in class to their own essay drafts. For example, after the lesson on crafting engaging introductions, students may be asked to draft an introduction for their college essay using the strategies discussed in class. Similarly, after learning about incorporating vivid details, students may be tasked with adding descriptive language to a specific section of their essay. While homework submissions are not graded, students will have the option to receive feedback from the instructor on their assignments. This feedback will help students identify areas for improvement and make necessary revisions to their essay drafts. Additionally, completing the homework assignments will contribute to the overall progress and development of students' college essays, ultimately enhancing their chances of success in the college admissions process.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
What will be taught? Students will learn the essential elements of crafting successful college admissions essays, including how to create engaging introductions, develop compelling narratives, incorporate vivid details, reflect on personal growth, and edit and revise their essays effectively. What topics will you cover? The course will cover the following topics: - Understanding the importance of the college admissions essay - Crafting engaging introductions - Developing compelling narratives - Using vivid details to enhance writing - Reflecting on personal growth and experiences - Editing and revising for clarity and coherence - Presentation and submission guidelines How is your class structured? The class is structured into six lessons, each focusing on a specific aspect of the college admissions essay. Lessons include interactive discussions, writing exercises, peer workshops, and instructor feedback to ensure students receive comprehensive guidance throughout the writing process. How will you teach? I will employ a variety of teaching methods, including interactive discussions, writing prompts, peer workshops, and instructor feedback. Additionally, I will provide relevant examples and resources to illustrate key concepts and techniques effectively. What's your teaching style? My teaching style is student-centered and interactive, emphasizing active participation and engagement. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, receiving feedback, and collaborating with their peers. How much will learners get to interact with you and each other? Students will have ample opportunities to interact with both myself and their peers throughout the course. Interaction will occur through various mediums, including live discussions, peer workshops, and collaborative activities. Specific interactions may include: • Live lectures and discussions led by the instructor • Writing exercises and prompts to practice newly learned concepts • Peer workshops for sharing and receiving feedback on drafts • Group discussions and activities to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas • Instructor feedback on assignments and writing progress
Learning Goals
Students will be able to...
• Analyze and understand the key components of successful college admissions essays, including effective introductions, compelling narratives, and reflective elements.
• Apply various writing techniques, such as incorporating vivid details and using descriptive language, to enhance the depth and engagement of their essays.
• Revise and edit their essays for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness, demonstrating a mastery of the revision process in preparation for submission to college applications.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Understanding the Admissions Essay
• Importance of the college admissions essay
• Types of essay prompts
• What admissions officers look for
• Homework: Brainstorming essay topics 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Crafting an Engaging Introduction
• Elements of a strong introduction
• Examples of effective opening lines
• Practice writing captivating introductions
• Homework: Drafting an introduction for their essay 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Developing a Compelling Narrative
• Importance of storytelling
• Techniques for narrative development
• Workshop: Peer review and feedback on narrative drafts
• Homework: Refining the narrative arc 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Show, Don't Tell: Using Vivid Details
• Difference between "showing" and "telling"
• Incorporating sensory details and descriptive language
• Workshop: Reviewing and revising descriptive passages
• Homework: Adding vivid details to their essay drafts 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined October, 2017
Teacher expertise and credentials
Tennessee Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University
With over a decade of experience as a certified English teacher in the state of Tennessee, I bring a wealth of expertise to teaching this course on college admissions essay writing. Throughout my career, which spans both in-person and online instruction since 2009, I have honed my skills in guiding students through the intricacies of writing and composition. My passion for empowering students to articulate their ideas effectively through writing, combined with my extensive experience and accolades in the field of education, uniquely qualify me to teach this course and guide students towards success in crafting compelling college admissions essays.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
weekly or $120 for 6 classes3x per week, 2 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-6 learners per class
