In this class, we will cover the hardest part of writing a college personal essay: starting it.

Learners in this class will start by sharing information about if they have chosen or thought about which essay topic they would like to write about. After this short group discussion, we will work through a brainstorming activity that will have students think about a central message or angle they would like college admissions officers to know about them. For this activity, I will challenge students to consider what character traits or personal attributes colleges would be most receptive to, and how they can describe themselves as having those traits. 

After sharing what students come up with, I will have participants work through another assignment that asks them to relate this core concept to a story or event that happened to them. With this in mind, students will be able to take a broad theme about themselves, tie it to a specific life event, and cast that as a narrative. We will finish by having students work out a general outline of their essay. 

This process will help students organize and structure a clear, focused, and unique college essay that will be a standout among their peers. While students in the course will not leave will a completed, polished essay, they will leave with the skills and newfound motivation to complete a great personal narrative. Students will also leave with a renewed sense of self ownership and motivation about the essay process, which will help manage anxiety and procrastination surrounding this task.