College Essay | Small Group
Class
A micro-learning course guiding students through the process of writing a standout college essay, from understanding prompts to revising drafts, all in a supportive small group environment.
This twelve-week course is designed to help high school students master the art of writing a memorable college application essay. Through a blend of interactive lessons and small group collaboration, you'll learn how to break down essay prompts, brainstorm meaningful ideas, and craft a narrative that authentically reflects your voice. The course emphasizes peer feedback, revision strategies, and practical techniques to ensure your essay is polished and compelling. Ideal for advanced learners, each module focuses on a key step in the essay-writing process, providing clear guidance and real-world examples to inspire your best work.
Here is the class outline:
1. Welcome to Your College Essay JourneyGet an overview of the course, meet your small-group peers, and see how each step—from decoding the prompt to polishing the final draft—fits together. 1 section
|
|
|
2. Decoding the Prompt Like a ProLearn a step-by-step method to break down any college essay prompt, spot hidden expectations, and set clear goals before writing a single word. 1 section
|
|
|
3. Mining Your Memories for Golden IdeasUse targeted brainstorming techniques to surface authentic stories, moments, and insights that reveal who you are beyond your transcript. 1 section
|
|
|
4. From Idea Pile to Focused PlanRefine your brainstorm, choose a standout angle, and create a loose outline that aligns with the prompt and sets up a strong narrative arc. 1 section
|
|
|
5. Building a Narrative Arc That Hooks ReadersTransform your outline into a compelling story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, using tension and resolution to keep admissions officers engaged. 1 section
|
|
|
6. Amplifying Your Unique VoiceInfuse your draft with personality, honest reflection, and the language that sounds most like you, ensuring authenticity shines through. 1 section
|
|
|
7. Show, Don’t Tell: Details That DazzleMaster concrete details, vivid imagery, and specific examples to illustrate your points and deepen both narrative impact and personal voice. 1 section
|
|
|
8. Peer Review PlaybookPractice giving and receiving constructive feedback in your small group, using targeted questions and rubrics to make every comment actionable. 1 section
|
|
|
9. Revision MasterclassApply peer feedback, tighten language, and refine structure to elevate clarity, voice, and impact—turning a solid draft into a standout essay. 1 section
|
|
|
10. Key Takeaways and Next StepsRecap the major skills you’ve built, outline a personal action plan for future essays, and celebrate completing the course with your group. 1 section
|
|
|