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

• level of academic rigor

• grades in academic courses

• GPA

• class rank 

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Test Scores

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• ACT / SAT

• Advanced Placement

• International Baccalaureate

Activities+

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• clubs

• employment

• internship

• academic enrichment

• leadership initiatives

• independent projects

• sports

• arts

• student government

• civic engagement

• research

• community

• volunteer 

• hobbies, passions

• honor societies

• family commitments

• awards

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Letters of Recommendation

• teacher

• counselor

• coach

• relevant professionals

Supporting Material

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• portfolio

• audition

• specific program eligibility

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Demographic Background

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• geographic

• ethnicity

• gender

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Personal Objectives

• prospective major

• academic interests

• potential career path

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Assignment #6

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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.   

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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.

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