This class will focus on writing the essay many American colleges and universities require as part of their admissions process. Over the next five days, we will examine the essay prompts for the Common Application, the University of California Insight Questions, and, perhaps the Coalition Application (a relative newcomer). Also, we will look at the supplemental essay prompts some colleges require as well as some of the more unusual and quirky topics that students might encounter when they apply to college. We will immerse ourselves in brainstorming, writing, sharing drafts, discussing this unusual assignment, giving tips, reading samples of student work, and revising our writing. By the end of the week, if students have done the in-class and out-of-class work, everyone should have at least two (perhaps more) working drafts of their personal statement essays for college with special attention paid to the Common Application and the UC Insight questions. In other words, before the summer really ends, you will be done with drafts of college admissions essays. You will be the envy of all of your classmates. Congratulations.
