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Step 1 - Familiarize yourself with the Common Application prompts.
Step 1 - Familiarize yourself with the Common Application prompts.
Video Introduction
Go here to see if a school you're interested in uses the Common App:
If no schools you are interested in use the common app, you may write your essay on their prompt(s) of a similar length, or on a scholarship prompt.
Step 2 - Read sample essays and meet with Mr. Bellini to discuss.
Step 2 - Read sample essays and meet with Mr. Bellini to discuss.
Read at least three examples from students at Johns-Hopkins University and notice the following:
All of them have an hook / attention grabber.
They focus on one central concept - one that taught them a lesson or perhaps was a metaphor for other challenges in life.
The writers don't try to cover too much ground in their story (after all, it's only 500-650 words) and slow the story down to include detailed descriptions and even dialogue.
Appreciate the fresh, conversational language and variety of sentence types.
They all end with mature, introspective commentary.
Step 3 - Follow the usual writing process.
Step 3 - Follow the usual writing process.
1. Brainstorm and write down several ideas before meeting with Mr. Bellini.
2. If you're pretty set on an idea, begin your outline before meeting with Mr. Bellini. You may change up your outline format/approach if needed - no two essays will be the same.
3. Share your 500-650-word rough draft with Mr. Bellini and with anyone else who is willing to look at it.
4. Above all else, make sure your final draft is completely error free! You must limit it to 650 words; the field in the online application will not accept anything any longer than that.
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