The college essay is autobiographical, not a typical academic writing exercise. However, most students have been trained to write academic assignments, according to a structured grading rubric aligned with the teacher’s expectations.
However, crafting an autobiographical essay demands different skills and efforts, including a thorough examination of one’s life experiences. Then, students can effectively communicate the significance of their experiences to admissions officers.
To aid students in navigating this intricate journey of self-discovery and effectively narrating their life stories, we offer a selection of articles from the Creative Marbles archives:
- English Teachers & The College Essay – tips for writing an assignment for a grade, while navigating the tricky politics of peer edits, so the assignment is useful for the student.
- Using AI Tools To Write College Essays – as large language models, like Chat GPT, are ubiquitous, yet unfamiliar, some tips on using AI responsibly to navigate the complexities of writing autobiography.
- When Writing College Essays, Be Yourself, Not Plagued by Doubt – rigorous honesty about one’s life and experience is the essence of autobiography, yet can be unfamiliar to many students who have contorted their voices to meet the expectations of grading rubrics over the years.
- Know your Frenemies AKA Writing College Essays – getting to know oneself can be a daunting task, and essential to write college essays which are distinguishing.
- A University of Washington Freshman Reflects on the College Admissions Essay Writing Process – advice from one peer to another
