College Essay Writing Workshop, Grades 10-12
15 class sessions, 2 hours per class (30 hours of instruction)
June 24 - July 18
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST
No class July 4
Course Description:
As many colleges place less emphasis on standardized test scores, the admissions essay has taken a larger role in the application process. This course will help students develop their own personal voice and style and use those skills to craft unique and impressive college admissions essays. Students can get a head start on college essays before the academic year gets underway by learning about the different types of personal statements, strategies to help create a distinctive voice and how to convey what they can offer any college campus. Each stage in the writing process will be explored: generating ideas, drafting, revising and polishing written work. Plus, students will receive both peer and instructor feedback throughout the process. Come work in a small group setting with a fun and supportive teacher to discover how to stand out in your college apps!
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
Instructor Biography:
Melissa Galvan currently teaches Honors English 8 and AP English Language & Composition at Oxford Academy, where she also serves as the English Department Chair. Over the last 18 years at OA, she has also taught Honors English, grades 7-10, and served as the newspaper advisor for eight years. Her work experience includes ELA, grades 6-12; Regular, Honors, AP and ELD levels, in addition to Journalism and even Spanish 1! She earned her BA in English from UCSB, a MS in Secondary Education from CSUF, and became a UCI Writing Project Fellow in 2017.
As many colleges place less emphasis on standardized test scores, the admissions essay has taken a larger role in the application process. This course will help students develop their own personal voice and style and use those skills to craft unique and impressive college admissions essays. Students can get a head start on college essays before the academic year gets underway by learning about the different types of personal statements, strategies to help create a distinctive voice and how to convey what they can offer any college campus. Each stage in the writing process will be explored: generating ideas, drafting, revising and polishing written work. Plus, students will receive both peer and instructor feedback throughout the process. Come work in a small group setting with a fun and supportive teacher to discover how to stand out in your college apps!
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Common App personal statements
- UC personal insight questions (PIQs)
- College-specific supplemental essays
- Avoiding common essay pitfalls
- Adding depth to your application with personal statements
- Injecting your writing with voice, style and flair
Instructor Biography:
Melissa Galvan currently teaches Honors English 8 and AP English Language & Composition at Oxford Academy, where she also serves as the English Department Chair. Over the last 18 years at OA, she has also taught Honors English, grades 7-10, and served as the newspaper advisor for eight years. Her work experience includes ELA, grades 6-12; Regular, Honors, AP and ELD levels, in addition to Journalism and even Spanish 1! She earned her BA in English from UCSB, a MS in Secondary Education from CSUF, and became a UCI Writing Project Fellow in 2017.