Strategize
Your application tells a story.
3
Your application tells a story.
What do colleges learn about you without your essay? Review the following categories.
Academic Record
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academic courses
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level of academic rigor
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grades in academic courses
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GPA
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class rank
Test Scores
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ACT / SAT
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Advanced Placement
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International Baccalaureate
Activities+
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clubs
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employment
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internship
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academic enrichment
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leadership initiatives
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independent projects
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sports
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arts
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student government
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civic engagement
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research
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community
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volunteer
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hobbies, passions
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honor societies
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family commitments
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awards
Letters of Recommendation
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teacher
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counselor
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coach
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relevant professionals
Supporting Material
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portfolio
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audition
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specific program eligibility
Demographic Background
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geographic
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ethnicity
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gender
Personal Objectives
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prospective major
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academic interests
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potential career path

Assignment #6
Directions. Imagine you're an admissions officer reviewing your application. Write the essential story they will share with their colleagues based on these categories. And remember, they don't have your essay.
Review. Now that you've done the creative groundwork it’s time to choose the
Common App Prompt that supports the story you want to tell.