Brainstorm a College Application Essay - Common App Tips
This 3-session course designed for high school students helps learners brainstorm ideas and create a rough draft of a unique and effective college application essay.
Beth Hall - AP Lang Teacher
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(113)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be provided with sample essays to read in preparation for the second class. Students will also write a rough draft after the second class. We'll review and discuss students' essays during the final session.Assessment
Students' learning will be assessed through their participation in class discussions and their rough draft. Students will be given peer and teacher feedback on their rough draft.Class Experience
US Grade 11 - 12
Intermediate Level
This 3-session class for high school students is designed to help students understand what college admissions officers are looking for when reviewing applications. Students will learn how to brainstorm ideas and refine their writing style in order to uniquely and effectively capture a story only they can tell. Lesson 1: How to Brainstorm a Personal Statement or College Application Essay Students will discuss the college application process, including best practices for writing a personal narrative or college application essays. Students will complete a series of brainstorming exercises that will help them decide upon an essay topic in subsequent sessions. Lesson 2: Analyzing Student Samples Students will read and discuss provided sample essays, making note of the student writer's structure and use of detail. Students will also discuss common mistakes in college application essays and how to avoid them. The homework assignment will be to write a rough draft based on a prompt of the student's choice. Prompt options will be provided. Lesson 3: Reviewing Rough Drafts Students will have the opportunity to read their rough draft to the class and receive peer and teacher feedback. Students will discuss the writing process and ask questions as needed. The teacher will provide additional comments and critiques on student documents as needed.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to brainstorm and structure a personal narrative for a college or scholarship applications. Students will learn how to write about themselves effectively, including how to integrate detail into their writing.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
How to Brainstorm a Personal Statement
In this lesson, students will discuss the college application process, including best practices for writing a personal statement or college application essay. Students will complete a series of brainstorming activities to help them determine what they'd like to write about for the essay in this class. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Analyzing Student Samples
In this lesson, students will review student samples, making note of the essay's structure and detail. Students will begin a rough draft. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Reviewing Rough Drafts
In this lesson, students will have time to work on and share their rough drafts so they can receive peer and/or teacher feedback. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need a pen and paper for the brainstorming activities during the first class. Students will be provided with a document of sample essays for the second class. Students will type an essay. (Google docs is preferred but other word processors are fine too.)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
5.0
113reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As I high school English teacher and college prep tutor, I have helped students craft personal statements for college applications for over a decade. Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $50 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
1-8 learners per class
