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The College Essay is one of the most significant and stressful parts of applying to college. This workshop helps students eliminate that stress and walk away with a completed composition before the senior year officially begins.
In this one-week class, students will identify, understand, and practice the essential skills of the college application essay, including storytelling through description, editing for impact and concision, and developing a reflective voice. Students will learn how to read a prompt, develop a narrative with a clear line of reasoning, and read model essays to learn how to craft writing that reveals important aspects of their character and social and emotional growth. Through writing workshops and individual instructor time, students will receive helpful feedback throughout the week in brainstorming ideas, developing an outline, drafting, and revising. Participants will receive detailed, individual feedback on their writing and leave with a thoughtful and authentic application essay. All classes are taught by current Berkeley faculty members of the UD English Department.
All participants must have access to a computer, reliable wifi, and a notebook. All classes are online. In-person office hours at Berkeley are available for additional support on Wednesdays from 1-4pm.
This is a one-week session.
Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (incoming 11th and 12th)
About the Instructor
A member of the Berkeley English program since 2007 and Department Chair since 2016, Susan Alexander is passionate about helping students maximize their potential as writers, thinkers, and creative human beings. While at Berkeley, Susan has taught a variety of courses from English 9 to AP English Language and Composition to Writing Lab, and she especially enjoys helping students find rewards in reading, writing, and discussing big ideas. A published writer herself, Susan understands the challenges of writing authentically and helps students develop confidence in owning and telling their stories. She also offers practical, daily suggestions for writing effective narratives and essays for an admissions audience. Susan has earned a BA in drama, an MA in English education, and is a Klingenstein teaching fellow. She is also a proud Berkeley parent.
