THE COURSE

This five-week course guides high school seniors in completing the writing portions of the Common App college application. Participatory and fast-paced, Write A Compelling College Application Essay guides students in crafting a unique, authentic personal narrative. Beginning with creative writing prompts, students identify the essential traits and values they want to convey to college admissions officers. Sample personal statements give them ideas for how to create effective structure and voice in their own essays.  

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Former English Department colleagues, Dana and Melissa have been teaching Writing the College Application Essay at The Bush School in Seattle both together and apart for many years. We are eager to make this instruction available to the wider community. 
 

Taught by two experienced, invested English teachers, this on-line classroom contains all the benefits of in-person writing instruction: synchronous learning, so that students can interact with one another and the teachers in real time; break-out “rooms” for smaller brainstorming sessions and peer editing group feedback; and a safe space where students explore their ideas and gain confidence as part of a community of writers.
 

By the end of the course you will:

• Understand the nuances of the Common Application personal essay and individual college supplements

• Complete an edited draft of the Common App personal statement

• Begin brainstorming ideas for, and draft at least one college supplement

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Notes: Before the class meets for the first time, students will be asked to complete two pre-writing assignments. In addition, students should expect to write both in class and at home in-between class sessions. 

What we don’t do: Counsel students on their potential school lists. We recommend that you check in with your school's college or guidance counselor on this aspect of the college application process.