Scholarship Opportunity from MTV and Get Schooled!

Check out this scholarship opportunity from MTV.  They are awarding five $20,000 scholarships, but the window is small - the application is only available until October 2nd:

Tuition Request Live information



You can also get the application on Get Schooled! (which also has a lot of other useful information for high school seniors).

College Applications

For the next two weeks, you will be working on college applications.  Regardless of your actual future plans, you are required to show proof of at least one completed application.  It doesn't matter if it's Harvard or Macomb Community College, you need to apply somewhere, even if you have no intention of actually attending or no chance of actually getting accepted. 

We will discuss the Common App, the Universal App, and some important information you will need to complete your applications in class.  We will also talk about the FAFSA, and you will have a chance to start it once it opens in October.

A few things that will help you:
Article on Navigating the Common App
Universal Application
FAFSA instructions
CHS information you need for applications

Narrative Essay updates

By now, you should have completed a draft version of your essay for editing.  I have read and commented on/edited all of the drafts that were turned in on Friday, and I have spoken with almost everyone about the current state of their essays.

Over the next few days, you should be working on final revisions and focusing on meeting the word count requirement (500 to 650 words, unless you have spoken to me about needing a different requirement for a specific college/university). 

Before you are completely done, I strongly recommend reading your essay aloud or having someone else read it aloud to you (or both).  Experiencing your writing in a different way may help you catch misused words, awkward phrasings, or other flow issues.

Your finished essay is worth up to 50 points, and I will be using this rubric for grading:
Narrative Essay rubric

Good luck, and don't forget to ask me if you need help!

Stuck on your personal narrative essay?

Several people have said they are having problems coming up with ideas for their essay.  These articles might help you with brainstorming:

5 College Application Essay Topics That Always Work

How to Come Up With Great College Essay Ideas

Best and Worst Topics for a College Application Essay

Good luck!

Personal Narratives and College Applications

We are starting the year with personal narratives.  If done correctly, you should be able to use or adapt your narrative as the essay for your college applications.

As we work on your narratives, and later as we work on application coaching, use the information in this folder to help you: Essays and Applications 17-18

There are also several useful links on the list of "Important Sites" in the right-hand column that you may want to consult as you work on your essays and your applications.

Good luck!  Remember that your personal narrative is due on Monday, September 25th, and that you are required to show proof of at least one completed college application by Tuesday, October 31st.