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Essay Writing / Case Studies Workshop with UChicago

Sydney Jones

Admissions Counselor

View case studies materials here: https://uchicago.box.com/v/practiceapps

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Today’s Agenda

Learn best strategies for writing effective essays
Ask and answer questions about the essay writing process

Have a comment or question related to the essays? Feel free to put it in the chat.

Help students and families see parts of a “real” college application
Consider what it means to be a “fit” for a specific college or university
Learn more about how college admissions counselors review and make decisions about applicants

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Effective Writing in College Supplements

CONNECTION MATTERS

QUALITY VS. QUANTITY OF INFORMATION

What are your sources? Are they reputable?

CAN I PICTURE YOU ON CAMPUS?

How to express interest without a visit

THE "WHITE OUT TEST"

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Tips for Analyzing Essays

THINK ABOUT THE "WHY" OF YOUR REACTION

NOT JUST "I DON'T LIKE IT" - WHAT DON'T YOU LIKE?

Did a joke go wrong?
Is the essay full of typos?
Does the essay feel “robotic” or otherwise disconnected?
These are all valid ways to react, but very different!

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Tips for Analyzing Essays

THINK ABOUT THE "WHY" OF YOUR REACTION

NOT JUST "I DON'T LIKE IT" - WHAT DON'T YOU LIKE?

Did a joke go wrong?
Is the essay full of typos?
Does the essay feel “robotic” or otherwise disconnected?
These are all valid ways to react, but very different.

CONSIDER ALL ASPECTS OF THE ESSAY

TECHNIQUE – Are the commas in the right place?
ACCURACY – Does the student share information that is accurate and relevant?
CONNECTION – Does the student seem invested and excited? Are they addressing the prompt AND the values we see as important?

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Finally…why does this matter?

These essays help admissions counselors picture you on campus.
A good way to learn more about your personal, professional, and other goals and interests.
Supplements are the legwork of you applying to a particular institution, not just any college

"Could do the work" vs. "would like it here"

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VALUES WE SHARE WHEN READING APPLICATIONS

Focus on a student's strengths while understanding there can be areas for improvement.

Recognize that all students choosing to apply to college are making great choices!

Understand that sometimes the fit might not be for this specific college, but that does not mean college (even a highly selective college) is off the table!

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Action Item for Today: Be Specific

"The essay could've been more concise."

"The essay used words that made it hard to identify the student's voice."

"The essay was on a topic I found boring or inappropriate."

When articulating likes or dislikes, explain why.

"I didn't like the essay" --> WHAT didn't work for you?

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CASCADIA COLLEGE

What does this school value? How might we know someone is a good match?

Are there any areas (academic, social, demographic) they may be looking to grow?

What might make it tougher to stand out in the Cascadia applicant pool?

Given Cascadia College’s level of selectivity, today, we will choose to admit 1 of these 2 applicants.

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CASCADIA COLLEGE

What does this school value? How might we know someone is a good match?

Liberal arts program/Cascadia Curriculum
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and engagement
Interdisciplinary learning

Are there any areas they may be looking to grow?

New program between sciences/humanities or social sciences
Students eligible for Cascadia Promise

What might make it tougher to stand out in the Cascadia applicant pool?

Students from the West coast
Students with a "one track" interest

Given Cascadia College’s level of selectivity, today, we will choose to admit 1 of these 2 applicants.

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Overall, let's consider...

SCHOLARSHIP

Grades and grade trends, test scores, and course choices/rigor
Don't worry too much about difference between a B+ and a B...we're trying to answer the question "Does this student seem prepared for success at Cascadia College and their intended area of study?"

IMPACT

How is the student involved in courses/recognized by teachers? What activities in their profile or parts of their life experience may contribute to the Cascadia community?

FIT FOR CASCADIA

Does the student show qualities, characteristics, and interests that match what Cascadia College is looking for?
Do they seem enthusiastic and excited about Cascadia? Does their writing share more about these points (can be obvious or more subtle)?

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Let's look at some examples!

ALLEN LANDON

What did Allen do well in his application?
Any concerns or areas of potential growth?
Do Allen’s essays address the points we previously described as important?

Technique
Accuracy
Connection

What are some factors that contribute to our understanding of Allen’s fit for a liberal arts program? For Cascadia College?

Share your thoughts

in the chat!

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Let's look at some examples!

ALLEN LANDON

LILY KAMINSKI

What did Lily do well in her application?
Any concerns or areas of potential growth?
Do Lily’s essays address the points we previously described as important?

Technique
Accuracy
Connection

What are some factors that contribute to our understanding of Lily’s fit for a liberal arts program? For Cascadia College?

Share your thoughts

in the chat!

Great discussion!

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Which student do we think embodies the best fit for

Cascadia College’s needs at this time?

What do we feel we learned about the college application process as a whole today?
Do you have any remaining questions about these applications, or the college application process overall?

Final Discussion

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Feel free to put any additional questions in the chat!

Questions?

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Thank you! We hope you'll stay in touch!

Visit our website: collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu

Email me with questions: sydneyjones@uchicago.edu