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Personal Essay Writing

Emma Sutkay

Assistant Director for Application Review

emma.sutkay@wisc.edu

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Overview

  • Purpose of the Essay
  • Understanding the Prompt
  • What are we looking for?
  • Writing the essay
  • Dos and Don’ts
  • Final Tips
  • Questions

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Why do universities ask for an essay?

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  • Demonstrate writing and critical thinking skills
  • Reflection on what you bring to our campus community
  • Provides further context to other aspects of the application
  • Helps us get to know you!

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Understanding the Prompt

  1. Take time to break down the question(s)
  2. Example: Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.
    1. Why are you applying to UW-Madison?
    2. Why are you interested in this particular major/area of study?
    3. Key detail: YOU

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What are we looking for in your essays?

Essays are reviewed for both content and college-ready writing skills

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Essays help us learn about YOU.

  • How can you reflect?
  • How have you grown?
  • What do you like?
  • What’s a unique experience you’ve had?

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Writing The Essay

  1. Review prompts and develop a topic
    1. Center yourself
    2. Be genuine
    3. Answer all aspects of the prompt
    4. Make sure it has a conclusion
  2. Create an outline
  3. Research (if needed)
  4. Write a few drafts and have 2 people read them
    • Someone who knows writing mechanics
    • Someone who knows you/your voice well
  5. PROOFREAD
  6. Start early!

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What You Shouldn’t Do

Make it your resume

We see your activities list, no need to repeat all of it

Be too broad

Elaborate on a certain situation or moment in time

Only recount

Reflect – what did you learn? How have you changed? How did you grow?

Send your first draft

Remember: college ready writing skills are also being reviewed, proofread!

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What You Should Do

Answer the question/prompt

Being creative is great, but make sure you answer what is being asked

Use your voice

Read it out loud – does it sound like you?

Write about you

What is your story? What makes you unique? We want to get to know you and if you’re a good fit for us!

Make it personal

Be thoughtful and write about something you care about or are passionate about, you will connect with the reader

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Some Essay Tips

Tailor each essay for each university you apply to

    • Beware the “fill in the blank university” essay.
      • Be specific! Use details!

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Give yourself time to prepare and construct your essays

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*Draft in a word document

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Be succinct

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Be aware of your language

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Catch eye with first sentence/paragraph

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Questions? Thank you!

Emma Sutkay

Assistant Director for Application Review

emma.sutkay@wisc.edu