September 12th

Vocabulary words: cliche, conception, currency, derailed, denunciation, despotic

6 pieces of advice for college essays

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/the-best-advice-i-have-fo_b_3644712.html

Example essays from Johns Hopkins

http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays/#essay3

Common Application Essay Topics: Choose One....

·         Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.   

·         Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure.  How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

·         Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea.  What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

·         Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content.  What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

·         Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.