College Essay Bootcamp: Day 1

Preface:  Independence!
One of the themes of this year for me, for you, is increasing independence.  As such, I’m putting you in the driver’s seat for much of this process.  In college, it’s unlikely that your professors will have interim deadlines for papers and projects.  You will have to plan your time, hold yourself accountable, and seek the help you need.  So let’s practice that with this project—there’s some symbolic resonance, no?
 
Starter 3

1. What does success look like for you in this project?  How will you measure if you’ve achieved it? 
   
2. What is a potential obstacle to success, and how do you intend to overcome it? 
   
3. Look through the tips of dos and don’ts.  Which of these will be most helpful to you?  Which of these might you have difficulty with?  Why?

 
Sample Essay Read-aloud.    
Choose one of the sample essays in your group to read out loud.  Non-readers should follow along with the paper in front of you.  As you read look for the following.  When the read aloud is done, discuss:

1. Personality- where does it come from (use of story, written word, other?)
   
2. Favorite sentences/essay moments
   
3. What are the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the essay? 
   
4. Would you want this person in your college?  Why/why not?

 
Where Are You?
The corners of the classroom have been labeled with numbers 1-4.  Go to the corner that best represents your current status in regards to college essays.  Use the following criterion:
 
Which phrase best describes your current situation in regards to college essay writing?

1. I haven't started yet, and don't have a clue what the outcome might look like. 
   
2. I have a prompt and have started writing, but I'm nowhere near done. 
   
3. I have finished at least one essay, but it would benefit from some more refinement
   
4. I have mostly finished my college essays, but still have a few more and/or supplementary writing I can work on and refine.

 
Support Groups
Pick a group of 3 students from your corner and form a support group.  You will be working in/with your support group for many of the remaining College Essay Boot Camp tasks.  After your group is formed, see me for a scheduling sheet (Handout: “Support Group Scheduling” - Docs Page) and a packet of helpful resources.  You'll run through the following tasks:
 
As a group, you'll create a schedule using the handout and resources on the handout.   

Deadlines and Resources

1. Review deadlines (see class calendar if you were absent)
2. Review resources- tons of helpful stuff on the docs page of my DP!  Explore them, use them if you get stuck!
   

HOMEWORK:

1. Non-Honors:  Seminar Reflection (see yesterday's post for details).  Due at start of class on Friday 9/2, emailed or shared to Lori.
2. Honors:  Essay #1 (see honors page for details).  Due at 8:15 am on Friday, 9/9, emailed or shared with Lori.