Class

Creative Incubator: The College Application Personal Statement Essay For Ages 15 to 18

When it comes to college application essays, the most polished ideas aren’t always the most successful. You’ve probably heard enough advice to fill a book on what you should and should not write about when it comes to your personal statement. But often, your unformed, unexpected ideas can make for the most impactful essays.

In this one-session class, we’ll focus first and foremost on creative idea generation by exploring the hobbies, obsessions, experiences, and curiosities that shape your internal landscape. In the process, we will focus on learning how to follow the writing to choose your topic — which ideas feel most alive on paper? Where does your writing take unexpected shapes or turn up new, interesting insights? Finally, we will address concrete strategies to turn these ideas into cohesive, ready-to-submit personal statements.

Throughout the session, we will discuss what makes a personal statement work (hint: this is not your standard five paragraph essay). We will look at different models and structure options and talk about how to find the right vessel to tell your unique story.

Email [email protected] at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies