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Writing the Supplemental Admissions Essays That Can Make or Break an Application
Carissa Hoitenga, College Consultant & Mentor
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(63)
The main Common App essay/Statement of Purpose is not the only essay most students will need to write. The other essays often are overlooked, but they are equally important. This course teaches students how to write these essays.
Class experience
US Grade 9 - 12
WHY THIS COURSE? Many students know about the main, long essay in the Common App that is sent to all their colleges that require an essay, and they spend lots of time of it, which is expected. But many students overlook the supplemental essays that many colleges require, and students often whip these out last minute or spend significantly less time on them. However, this is a huge mistake. These essays often can make or break a student's application. Why? *These are essays specifically...
3 units//6 lessons//2 Weeks
Unit 1Activities EssaysActivities Essays3 lessons1 WeekWeek 1Lesson 1Writing the Activities Section of the Common AppEqually important as the essays, this often overlooked part of the Common App is the best place to start when thinking about writing the essays. There are many stylistic things to know in order to write the Activities section in a way that best communicates your achievements to an admissions officer, and these tips and tricks carry over into the essays.Lesson 2Writing the "Expand on one of your Activities..." essayThis common essay type is analyzed. We consider what it's asking, how it's different from the Activities section, what Admissions officers are looking for, and how to write these.Lesson 3Group feedback (optional) & discussion on Expand on one of your Activities..."Students have the option to share what they wrote as we continue to look at Activities essays. Students who share will receive feedback from the class and teacher. After class, students will make corrections to their essay based on examples discussed, and they may submit their draft to the teacher after they've done edits if they'd like personalized, private feedback.Unit 2Why Us? EssaysWhy Us? Essays2 lessons1 WeekWeek 2Lesson 4Writing the "Why Us?/Why this Program?" essayThis essay has become SO important in the past few years as admissions becomes more and more competitive and colleges look for students aligned with who they are. Finding the 'best fit' goes both ways! We'll discuss how to approach this essay, what admissions officers are looking for, and look at some good & not-so-good examples.Lesson 5Group feedback (Optional) & discussion on "Why Us?" essayStudents have the option to share their draft of this essay in class, where as a class we'll provide group feedback. We'll discuss examples and this type of essay in more depth, so students can make corrections to their drafts. Students who want private feedback the teacher may submit it after they have made edits to their draft independently.Unit 3Short/Sentence Question AnswersShort/Sentence Question Answers1 lesson1 WeekWeek 2Lesson 6Word Limit: 25 WordsThese often deceptive 'simple' questions are usually not so simple; in fact, some students say these are harder than some actual essays! We'll look at how to answer these questions that require very short sentences or even just words and phrases. Students will practice with real prompts in class. Students who want private, personal feedback from the teacher may submit their drafts after class.
This class is taught in English.
Students will learn key points in writing the Common App Activities section as well as how to write the following types of essays: 1.) Activities essay, 2.) Why Us? essay, and 3.) Short Answer 'essay.'
I'm an Independent College Consultant, and I have my own own college consulting business. I hold an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language and a minor in English, and I've guided many students as they wrote essays for competitive Department of State scholarships. I've also been on review committees for two Department of State scholarships which are very competitive. I firmly believe that writing is a skill that is learned through practice and repetition; it does not happen overnight, but those who try always improve.
Homework Offered
Independent Work consists of writing essay drafts -- trying out the skills discussed in class. If students are willing to share in class, we'll all provide constructive feedback. If they choose to keep it private, they can submit at the end of each unit for feedback from the teacher. *This course is an Intro level class, and students will not have polished essays by the end of the class, but they will have lots of knowledge and understanding of what admissions officers are looking for in these types of essays, which allows they to be more prepared to write these essays when it's the real thing.Assessments Offered
Students are expected/strongly encouraged to write drafts of essays based on the skills and techniques learned in class. They have opportunities to submit their work to the teacher for written feedback.Grades Offered
Students will need either Word or Google Docs or another word processor system to write essays. Students also need to be able to view college websites online.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
We'll use Padlet in class to organize ideas, examples, and share drafts. No account is needed. Students will receive a passcode to access the class's Padlet to maintain privacy.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(63)
MY SCHEDULE: My 'weekend' is usually Tuesday - Wednesday, but can vary based on my college visit/travel schedule. I typically am available only afternoons and evenings. Therefore I may not respond to messages received beginning Monday evening...
Group Class
$79
weekly or $158 for 6 classes3x per week, 2 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-17
3-4 learners per class
