While seniors in high school are keeping up with their regular classwork, many of them at this time of year are also working on an assignment that could play a key role in where they spend the next few years of their lives: their college application essays.

Randy Baker, an English teacher at Putnam City North High School, begins working with his seniors early in the school year to prepare them for college essays. During his Advanced Placement (AP) classes, students do much more than turn in papers on books they’ve read. They are "workshopping" their college essays – writing, editing, critiquing and rewriting essays for their college application.

It’s not just Baker’s English students who are getting help. In September, Baker also offered an evening presentation for any students or parents interested in learning more about writing an effective college essay.

Baker says that the college essay is an opportunity for students to show what makes them unique.

"It’s a chance for the seniors to reflect about who they are, from where they come, where they want to go and what kind of person they want to become, all of which are things colleges want to know," he says.

College admissions officials concur.

"The essay needs to be in your own words. We need to hear your voice and get a genuine sense that you are writing about what matters to you," says William T. Conley, dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Case Western Reserve University.

"Essays measure a student's ability to write a good composition. Also, a student can choose a topic to write about that reveals creativity, personality and value systems that can’t be revealed by grades alone," adds another Case Western admissions officer.

"I feel that these essays are so important that we spend quite a bit of time on them. My classes are workshopping three essays right now. We talk about the writer’s voice, introductory hooks and introductions. We talk about those topics that are good to write about and those that are taboo, such as sex, drugs, insecurities, the big game, etc. We want to be original, and we talk about why this is important," Baker says.

• Describe someone who has had an influence on your life.
• Write your own question and then answer it.
• Describe a book or class that has challenged the way you think.
• What does "good character" mean to you?
• If you could develop a specific skill what would it be? Why?
• Is there anything that you plan to bring to college?
• Is there anything that you would like to tell us that is not in the application?
• If you could hold any government position, what would it be and why?
• Write about something that is important to you.
• Include a small picture and describe the significance of the photo to you.

Baker says when selecting a topic and preparing to write, students should keep the following "Do’s and Don’ts" in mind:

Do This

• Reveal something about yourself
• Have a point
• Spend time thinking before writing
• Highlight your growth
• Keep the introduction brief
• Create mystery at the forefront
• Demand 100 percent from every sentence
• Analyze your motivations
• Be witty, but only if you can

Don’t Do This

• In this case, sex does not sell
• Crimes and misdemeanors
• Drunkenness or getting high
• Bad grades
• Simple description of why the university is perfect for you
• A major news story or disaster
• Your plan for world peace
• The big game
• Deep confession
• Mental Imbalances or insecurities

"The best essays use dramatic elements like dialogue and interesting narrative. You really want the admission officer to get hooked into your essay. We all respond to good narrative. It’s a compelling way to tell a story," says Elizabeth Mosier, Acting Director of Admissions at Bryn Mawr College.

In the final stages of developing the essay, Baker encourages the students to use these guidelines for revising and redrafting their essays.

Revise and Re-draft

• Your tone is important
• Remember your audience
• Don’t whine
• Read your draft aloud
• Diction
• Transitions
• Trim the fat
• Neatness counts
• Take the time to be short
• Plan to write several drafts
• Use specific details
• Although the introduction is important, write a strong conclusion. Come full circle by relating to your introduction
• Words limit do count
• Relax and be yourself

According to Baker, it’s also important for a student to proofread an essay several times to correct any mistakes and to ask a qualified person, such as an English teacher or school counselor, to edit the essay.

The pre-writing activities, writing, editing, rewriting, proofing and every other task associated with college essays are important, Baker says.

"The competition for admission into first choice universities for students is escalating at a tremendous rate," Baker says. "The college admissions essay is a golden opportunity for the admissions director to get to know the student personally, not as test scores, transcripts, admissions forms or glittering letters of recommendation but as eager, energetic and wonderful young men and women."

Grades and Challenges
"The first thing we look at is academic achievement, how well students do in their high school curriculum. We’re interested in students who have taken the most rigorous courses. Are they stretching their minds, looking for academic challenge?"
—Admissions officer, University of Rhode Island

"I like to see students who have challenged themselves by taking the extra math or writing courses that are beyond what is required."
—Admissions officer, Northwestern University

Being a Contributor
"We value leadership, but not everyone is a leader. We also value contributors, the followers. Contributors demonstrate that they have the ability to follow through, which is a very valuable quality."
—Admissions officer, Case Western University

Time Management
"Also, time management is important. Being able to balance out a busy school schedule and extracurricular activities implies that a student is disciplined and can handle responsibility."
—Admissions officer, Case Western University