Essay Writing
What is the main purpose of a college essay?
To show who you are beyond grades/scores.
Who is a good person to ask for a letter of recommendation?
List 3
Teacher, counselor, mentor, or advisor.
What tool did we use to explore careers?
College Board Career Quiz (BigFuture).
What are the 3 types of college application platforms we talked about?
Common App, ApplyTexas, Institutional apps
What is a “match” school?
A college where your academic profile fits well.
Name one of the prompts students can choose to answer on ApplyTexas.
Prompt A or Prompt B.
What should you give your recommender to help them write a strong letter?
Your resume and context about what it's for.
What should you consider when choosing a college major?
Your interests, strengths, and career goals.
Which app is mainly used for public Texas colleges?
ApplyTexas.
What do “EA” and “ED” stand for?
Early Action and Early Decision
True or False: You should write your college essay like a class report.
False.
How early should you ask for a letter?
At least 3–4 weeks before the deadline.
What’s the difference between a job and a career?
A career is a long-term path; a job is often short-term.
Which app can be used to apply to many out-of-state colleges?
Common App
What type of school should be on your list to increase your chances?
A mix of safety, match, and reach schools
What are the three key parts of a well-structured essay?
Intro/context, moment/reflection, growth.
What is one key part of your email or in-person request?
Be clear, respectful, and say thank you.
Name one resource to research college majors and what jobs they lead to.
O*NET, College Board, or the college's website.
What is one benefit of using an institutional application?
It’s tailored to that school and may have fewer steps
True or False: Early Decision is binding, you must attend if accepted.
True
What makes an essay personal and authentic?
Telling a unique story only you can tell.
True or False: You should ask someone just because they have a fancy title.
False
What is one benefit of knowing your major before applying?
Helps you find the right college and plan ahead.
Name three things to check when deciding which application platform to use.
School’s website, deadlines, requirements, fees.
What are three things you should consider when researching colleges?
Cost, size, location, programs, support services, etc.