CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.E

By Anonymous (not verified), 16 March, 2026

True Leadership

In this strong scholarship application essay, the writer responds to the prompt with a wide array of key details.
By Anonymous (not verified), 16 March, 2026

A Thing of Beauty

In this effective response to a college-entrance prompt, a student humorously describes his beard, using the occasion to poke fun at himself but also reveal his unique perspective.
By Anonymous (not verified), 16 March, 2026

How I Will Contribute to College

This fair personal essay responds to a college-entrance prompt, though its formulaic nature and general support leave it unremarkable for readers.
By Anonymous (not verified), 16 March, 2026

What Education Means

This poor personal essay responds to a college-entrance prompt. The ideas are largely negative and underdeveloped, which will not encourage the college representative to score the response highly.
By Anonymous (not verified), 16 March, 2026

Putin Meddles in U.S. Casseroles

A student wrote this satirical news story in the style of an Onion article to poke fun at Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
By Anonymous (not verified), 12 March, 2026

Writing a Narrative

Writing a Narrative

After identifying your focus and gathering details about it, you are ready to write your narrative. Remember that a narrative is more than a chronological list of events. It is a true-life story with characters and conflict, so you need to build it like a story. The activities on this page will help.

Writing the Narrative Beginning

The beginning of your narrative has a number of jobs:

  • Catch the reader's attention.
  • Introduce the main character (person of focus).
  • Describe the setting (time and place).
  • Create conflict.

Write the beginning.

Experiment with strategies for capturing the reader's interest. Use the examples below for inspiration. Then develop a beginning that introduces the main character, describes the setting, and sets up the conflict.

  1. Start in the middle of the action.

    Flush with determination, I stepped up to the podium. I had a strong speech. I had a strong message. I was ready to fight for equal rights. So how did I know it was all doomed?

  2. Use interesting dialogue.

    "There goes Drama Jess again. Making something out of nothing." Girls with an opinion get that a lot in high school.

  3. Pose a fascinating question.

    What does justice mean to you?

  4. Set up the conflict.

    I’m a sports fanatic. I’m also a girl. I thought by now my gender wouldn't be an issue, but last school year showed it still is.

By Anonymous (not verified), 12 March, 2026

Revising College-Entrance Essays

Revising College-Entrance Essays

Of course, online college applications provide a space for you to write your response to the prompt, so it's tempting to draft an essay and hit "submit." But this essay is really important, impacting your future. You definitely want to take your time revising, making the work as strong as possible. Your essay is your first impression with the school. Make it a good one. These revision strategies can help.

Revising to Target the Prompt

First, you need to make sure you have answered the prompt. A brilliant essay that talks about rock climbing will not score well when the prompt asked for a definition of leadership. You can use your PAST analysis of the prompt to check your response. Turn each answer into a question, and use them to analyze your response.

Write an essay that introduces us to who you are. Tell us about a particular life experience, talent, commitment, or interest you have. Explain how your presence will enrich life on campus.

  • Purpose: Why am I writing? (Do I introduce myself and tell how I will enrich life on campus?)
  • Audience: Who will read my writing? (Do I address admissions officers, providing the information they need to know about me?)
  • Subject: What am I writing about? (Do I focus on a particular life experience, talent, commitment, or interest I have?)
  • Type: What form should my writing take? (Do I compose my answer as an essay?)

Target your response.

Review your PAST analysis of the prompt, turning your answers into questions. Then use these new questions to check your response, making sure it is on target. Revise as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.E