College Prep: Write a Personal Essay for College Applications
This course is designed to guide high school students through the process of crafting a compelling personal essay for college applications. Students do *not* need to be actively applying to colleges to benefit from this course.
Ms. Elizabeth
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(178)
Star Educator
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. 1-2 throughout the classAssessment
3-6 throughout the classClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Course Description This course is designed to guide high school students in crafting compelling personal essays for college applications. Through readings, discussions, and writing exercises, students will develop their unique voices, reflect on their experiences, and refine their essays to effectively convey their personal stories and aspirations. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students will: ▪︎ Understand the purpose and significance of personal essays in college applications. ▪︎ Identify and articulate their personal narratives and core values. ▪︎ Develop skills in drafting, revising, and editing essays. ▪︎ Receive and apply constructive feedback to enhance their writing. ▪︎ Prepare a polished personal essay ready for submission. Access to Google Docs is required for this class. Attendance is crucial for building a supportive community. Students are encouraged to share their experiences and provide feedback to peers respectfully.
Learning Goals
Understand the purpose and significance of personal essays in college applications.Identify and articulate their personal narratives and core values.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Personal Essays
Topics:
Overview of college application essays
What makes a personal essay stand out?
Discussion of successful personal essays
Activities:
Read and analyze sample essays
Reflective writing exercise: Identify personal values and experiences
Assignment: Write a short paragraph about a significant personal experience. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Finding Your Voice and Theme
Topics:
Developing a unique narrative voice
Choosing a central theme or message
Activities:
Free-writing exercises to explore themes
Peer sharing of ideas
Assignment: Draft a thesis statement for your essay and outline key points. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Structuring Your Essay
Topics:
Organizing your narrative: introduction, body, and conclusion
Techniques for engaging openings and powerful closings
Activities:
Group discussions on structure
Create an essay outline based on your thesis statement
Assignment: Write a first draft of your personal essay. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Peer Review and Feedback
Topics:
The importance of peer feedback
How to give and receive constructive criticism
Activities:
Peer review sessions in small groups
Discuss common themes and insights from feedback
Assignment: Revise your essay based on peer feedback. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
4.9
178reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a professional academic and creative writing editor with a background in college admissions. I have worked on college admissions boards vetting application essays, edited papers for graduate and post-graduate researchers, and have taught Bibliography and humanities research courses. I am a very thorough editor with an eye for correct grammar, tonal and colloquial accuracy (using the correct tone based on the writing task), and fact checking. I focus on teaching students how to effectively edit their own work rather than simply telling them what to change. Reviews
Live Group Course
$37
weekly or $220 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
2-6 learners per class
