Introduction to Writing College Essays Part 1: Brainstorming

EDUC 847

This two-week intensive course trains aspiring college counselors, advisors, and other education professionals on the purpose, role, and structure of college admissions essays. The course will explore techniques, standards, and ethics to be used when supporting students through the college essay writing process.

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What you can learn.

Learn about the purpose and role that college essays play in the admission process
Learn strategies your students can utilize for brainstorming their college essay topics
Understand the various types of essays such as personal statements, personal insight questions, and college-specific supplements
Explore techniques behind providing ethical guidance and support to students in the college essay writing process
Identify different approaches for helping students navigate and maintain their own voice throughout the writing and editing process

About this course:

During this two-week course, participants will gain an understanding of the purpose, role and structure of college admissions essays. The course will explore standards and ethics to be used when supporting students through the essay writing process. Throughout the class, participants will learn approaches to providing essay guidance that they can use when working with their own students. Participants will also write a college essay as an exercise in understanding the writing process. The ideal participant for this course is an aspiring college advisor, current secondary school counselor, CBO advisor or other professional working in college advisement who seeks to expand his or her experiential knowledge of college admissions essays. Please note: this course is not endorsed by or affiliated with UCLA’s undergraduate or graduate offices of admission.