Everyone has a story. Regardless of where you come from or how you have lived your life, each of us has a story that is worth telling, worth reading, and uniquely yours! The personal essay, a requirement of most college applications, provides the perfect opportunity to tell that story. The course covers all aspects of the writing process, from understanding the purpose of the personal essay to brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and finally revising. The result will be a final, polished, personal essay that can be used for college, scholarship, or job applications.
In the first unit, students contextualize the essay within the college application process while they explore post-secondary options. Then, students evaluate and analyze successful personal essays, focusing on what the personal essay can add to an application. Next, they focus on idea development and engage in a variety of pre-writing strategies to explore possible essay Units. Students will focus on the essay questions posed on the Common Application, used by most colleges and universities. Students develop a single essay idea, using writing techniques to enhance their story; the fourth unit culminates in a complete first draft. In the next unit, students investigate the role and prompt for supplemental essays, and write two draft supplemental essays. The course concludes with a focus on the revision process where students seek and integrate feedback from outside readers as they revise their personal essays and two supplemental essays into final products.
About the Self-Paced Course Model
Self-Paced courses are comprehensive, self-paced courses designed for students who need or desire more flexibility in their academic schedule. VHS Learning teachers will regularly interact with students in asynchronous discussions, will host weekly office hours, and will invite students to monthly 1-on-1 progress meetings. Teachers will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback on work. Students will work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.
This course is open enrollment; students may register and begin at any time. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 6 weeks and have up to 20 weeks to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 95 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.
Course Essential Questions:
- What is the role of the personal essay in the college application process and what makes a compelling one?
- What story from my life experience captures some of my most important values and accomplishments?
- What is the best process—and what are the best tools—for creating a polished, engaging personal essay?
Course Learning Objectives:
- Describe the role of the personal essay in the college application process and identify elements of successful personal essays.
- Identify, assess, and choose the personal essay Unit(s) that will allow them to best express their story and values, and effectively represent themself in their college applications.
- Practice and apply all steps of the writing process from brainstorming to the final draft.
- Write a polished, final draft of a college application personal essay (Common Application prompts) and supplemental application essays.