How to Create College Essays that Shine

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*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.

Target Audience

High school students

Description

2-part series workshop dates:
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026

This two-part workshop guides high school students through the process of writing effective Common App and supplemental essays for college admissions. In Part One, students learn how to craft a compelling Common App Personal Statement by exploring storytelling techniques, identifying meaningful experiences, and understanding what admissions officers look for in a strong narrative. Through brainstorming exercises and guided prompts, participants begin shaping authentic, engaging drafts that reflect their unique voice and perspective.
In Part Two, the workshop focuses on supplemental essays, helping students decode common question types such as “Why Us,” “Why Major In…,” and community or values-based prompts. Students practice tailoring their responses to individual colleges, avoiding generic writing, and highlighting their fit and enthusiasm. Rebecca Fagan will provide examples and explain revision strategies. By the end of the workshop, participants leave with ideas to create well-developed drafts and the confidence to refine their essays for a standout application.

This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. Please go to our live webinar requirements page for more information and to test the computer/device and network prior to the event.

Speaker
Rebecca Fagan

Objectives

• Guide students in crafting a strong Common App Personal Statement by teaching storytelling techniques, reflective writing strategies, and ways to convey authentic personal experiences.
• Help students understand and respond effectively to supplemental essay prompts by identifying common question types and learning how to tailor their writing to each college’s values and expectations.
• Build students’ confidence and skill in the revision process by providing tools for self-editing, peer review, and refining essays for clarity, voice, and impact.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in students’ writing by encouraging them to explore their identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences thoughtfully, and helping them understand how to express these perspectives in ways that celebrate individuality and foster belonging.

Sessions