Writing Samples
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SAT essay prompt given June 2009
Published on 6/18/2009
Here are two responses to the same essay prompt. By reviewing the pro and the con approach, you can see where it doesn't really matter what answer you choose as long as you are able to back it up with relevant examples. The two responses featured below are given unedited, with their original spelling and grammatical errors intact. They are not perfect responses but they both received high scores because they deal directly with the question and provide evidence to reinforce their opinions.
Scholarship Essay #1
Published on 7/24/2007
This scholarship essay question (Who has been the most influential person in your life?) is a common scholarship prompt. The example posted here is a winning scholarship submission that deals effectively and affectionately with the question. Immediately following the essay are some suggestions as to how the essay could have been improved.
Admissions Essay - Sacrifice and Family
Published on 7/2/2007
This is a before and after look at one student's attempt to discuss the value of sacrifice and the importance of family.
Scholarship essay #2
Published on 6/11/2007
This scholarship essay addresses the following question: "Choose a book or books that have affected you deeply and explain why." In this case the applicant has chosen the novel Germinal by Emile Zola. The essay is strong and well-written although not without it's flaws. Immediately following the essay are some suggestions as to how the essay could have been improved.
Admissions Essay - Leadership
Published on 4/19/2007
This student's essay addresses the topic of leadership, a common essay prompt for the college admissions essay.
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