You Get One Shot – Want a Practice Round?

by Elizabeth Zipf
Richard Montgomery High School, class of 2014

So, I just turned in a major essay for English class, and it got me thinking. We’d been able to revise it after feedback from the teacher, and at this point in the school year, we all know what she wants. Yeah, there are a lot of points at stake, but it’s not that much of a gamble.

But as a junior, I’m looking ahead to other essays. Essays for things like the Common App. Essays that you don’t get feedback on – essays that you don’t get to redo – essays that can make or break your college experience.

Maybe it sounds like I’m exaggerating. But Jeannine Lalonde, senior assistant dean of admissions at University of Virginia, was quoted in the Washington Post Magazine as saying “The essays are our favorite part.” The essays provide personal information about you. They are your voice on the college application – in some ways, the essays are your only chance to speak.

But there are no do-overs. And have you ever seen what a college essay is supposed to look like? I’ve seen one – but not in that context, and I have no idea if the author got into college or not. I have no idea what they want me to write.

Luckily for you and me, Writopia is running a college essay writing workshop at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18. You can get ideas for stories to tell, look at samples, and learn what the mysterious college gods of admission want from you.

Honestly, I haven’t heard of any other opportunities like this. They want to help you succeed in getting into your top-choice college.

And did I mention that it’s free?