Monday, May 9, 2022

College Essay Bootcamp from the College Essay Guy

The College Essay has put together a free course for students to learn how to craft a college essay. This class is broken into 5 modules and can be a great resource for students as they learn how to navigate their college essay.


College Essay Bootcamp

Click the link above to view the daily videos.

Workbook

Click the link above to download your workbook.


Monday: Brainstorming

In that session I’ll cover Modules 1.1 and 1.2 in the tool:

  • What’s the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

  • What are the Four Qualities of an Outstanding Personal Statement?

  • 7 Mini Brainstorming Exercises (in 10 Minutes)

  • How These Exercises Can Lead to an Essay Topic

  • Montage vs. Narrative Structure

  • 7 Types of Montage Essay

  • What Is Narrative Structure & How Does it Work?

  • Next Steps + Q&A

Tuesday: Writing Day

Your homework assignment:

  1. Watch the rest of Module 1 and Module 2.1 and create at least two (ideally three!) outlines.

  2. Share your outlines with a counselor/friend/parent/mentor and pick your favorite topic.

  3. Bonus points: Once you’ve picked a topic, write your first draft.

Optional: I’ll be reviewing a few examples live on Wednesday. If you’d like to submit your 2-3 outlines or draft for consideration, share your Essay Workbook Google doc with PSBootCamp@collegeessayguy.com. (Note: Please include which session (AM or PM) you’re attending. By sharing your Essay Workbook you are granting permission for me to review your outline/draft live on the Boot Camp. Also, I can only review a few examples, so please don’t expect guaranteed feedback if you submit!)

Wednesday: Outlining & Writing

LIVE Session: May 26th @ 10:00-11:30am or 4:00-5:30pm PT (1-2:30pm or 7-8:30pm ET)

In that session I’ll review Module 2.1 in the tool:

  • How to Outline a Narrative Draft

  • 7 Ways to Outline a Montage Draft

    • I Love/I Know 

    • Essence Objects/Stuff in My Room 

    • Skill/Superpower 

    • Career 

    • Identity 

    • Home 

    • Uncommon Extracurricular Activity

Thursday: Writing Day

Your homework assignment:

Either:

  1. Outline, then write your first draft (if you haven’t already) or

  2. Watch Modules 2.2 and 2.3 in the Choose Your Own Adventure Tool and begin revising your draft.

  3. If you haven’t already, complete the “21 Details” and “Everything I Want Colleges to Know About me” Exercises.

Optional: I’ll be reviewing a few examples live on Friday. If you’d like to submit your outlines or draft for consideration, share your Essay Workbook Google doc with PSBootCamp@collegeessayguy.com. (Note: Please include which session (AM or PM) you’re attending. By sharing your Essay Workbook you are granting permission for me to review your outline/draft live on the Boot Camp. Also, I can only review a few examples, so please don’t expect guaranteed feedback if you submit!)

Friday: Revising & Upleveling

LIVE Session: May 28th @ 10:00-11:30am or 4:00-5:30pm PT (1-2:30pm or 7-8:30pm ET)

In that session I’ll cover Modules 3.2 and 3.3:

  • 10 Ways to Start Your Essay

  • 19 Ways to Make Your Essay More Insightful

  • How to Make Sure Your Personal Statement “Flows”

  • Personal Feedback from Me on a Few Essays

  • The Great College Essay Test (i.e., How to Know If Your Personal Statement Is Doing its Job)

  • Tips for Polishing (When You’re Ready)

HW: Keep working on your personal statement using whichever parts of the tool you need.

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