Apex CCPII 2.4.2 notes (Personal Essay)

Finding Your Essay Topic: Brainstorming

To get your ideas flowing, brainstorm. Here are some topics that will get you thinking: Your greatest accomplishment An influential role model in your life and how this person has changed who you are A challenge you had to overcome in your life Your strengths, weaknesses, and personal qualities, skills, or talents A meaningful experience Your goals and dreams for the future Your upbringing and how it has shaped your character If you are still having trouble coming up with ideas, talk to your parents, teachers, or classmates about your strengths. They may see strengths in you that you didn't realize were there.

Personal Essay

an essay that tells the writer's personal opinion, beliefs, or ideas about a subject Personal essays help colleges learn more about you as an individual. They are usually fewer than 500 words and no longer than one or two pages. The purpose is to capture the reader's attention and leave a lasting impression. The essay should have a light tone. You shouldn't be bragging or trying to make the reader feel sorry for you.

Writing Your Personal Essay

Now that you have all of your ideas on paper, you need to organize them into an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide the reader with an idea about the content of the essay. Grab the reader's attention by identifying a hook in your story. (A hook is an important piece of information that is engaging and draws the reader's attention.) The body should provide evidence to support the main idea. Share what you know, and do research if needed. Be specific, clear, and concise. Use examples and narration to tell the story. For example, instead of saying, "I have a passion for music," prove it by saying, "I have been singing since I was three years old. Mom says I would turn on the radio and sing in my room, sing in the car, and even sing along with the music in the grocery store. I love to sing, and when I learned that my school was hosting auditions for Fiddler on the Roof, I couldn't wait to try out. It may sound silly, but singing on stage would be a dream come true." The conclusion should encompass the meaning of the main ideas. Writing an essay about yourself is not always as easy as it looks. When you finish writing, take a break and reward yourself. You're almost done.

Why Did You Choose This College?

Some colleges ask students to write about their career goals or college selection. If you write about your career path, you can focus on past or current career-related experiences and the type of knowledge you hope to gain from the program and the college. When describing the colleges you chose, do some research on the college and the academic program you're applying to. Show why you chose them. Colleges want to see that students are serious and knowledgeable.

Writing about Yourself

Some colleges ask students to write about themselves. Sometimes the questions specifically ask about qualities, strengths, or goals. Because you have limited space for your response, focus on one topic and show your strengths and personality by using examples from one experience.

Other Types of Essay Questions

Some colleges ask unique questions, perhaps about a current event or a famous person. This type of essay allows colleges not only to see your perspective, but also to get insights into your personality, knowledge, and critical-thinking ability. In the end, it doesn't matter if you come up with your own topic or the college assigns the topic. The main thing to remember is that your essay should leave a good and lasting impression.