Getting Started: College Essay Writing

About the Course

This one-day, intensive workshop will guide you step-by-step through how to start the college essay writing process. We will focus on key aspects of the writing process, such as understanding the purpose of a college essay, selecting a strong topic, and developing a personal writing style. Students will explore the Common App essay prompts and practice customizing their personal stories to fit the specific prompts required by different colleges. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, and workshops, you’ll learn to deconstruct essay questions, brainstorm effectively, and select topics that reflect your unique story. 

The Process

• Understanding – Prompt & Purpose
• Reflecting & Brainstorming
• Outlining
• Writing

Skills you will Learn

• Understand the Purpose of a College Essay
• Deconstruct Essay Questions, Brainstorm, and Select Topics
• Develop a Personal Writing Style

Logistics

• This in-person course meets on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00AM-2:00PM in Fairfax, Virginia at 8095 Innovation Park Drive Fairfax, VA 22042.
• Laptops are required for this course.
• Tuition covers materials and meals (lunch/snacks). 
• This is the first workshop of a two-part series. This workshop is for students who have not begun considering their college essays. The second workshop, Editing & Finalizing: College Essay Writing, builds on the knowledge from workshop one. We strongly encourage all students who take workshop one to take workshop two. If a student already has a completely drafted college essay and is only interested in editing and finalizing it, they may register for workshop two only.
• The payment deadline is September 19, 2024. Space is limited.
• Inspire offers need-based financial aid to those who qualify. If you would like to apply for financial aid, email inspire.northern@virginia.edu.