College Essays - Class of 2010

Hello, and welcome to my blog! We'll use this forum throughout the year as a way to encourage discussion between all students, leaving behind the boundaries and borders of the traditional classroom. It doesn't matter which period you are in or who you sit next to: hopefully this blog will bring together students from a variety of different periods, background experiences, personalities, thought processes, etc.

For our first post, I'll ask you to read at least two of the following articles regarding the college essay. Choose any two from the list provided, then respond with your insights, observations, comments, etc. Try to move beyond simple responses like, "I knew that" or "I didn't know that." Instead, reflect on your own experiences and expectations as a student readying for college admissions. What insights do these readings offer on the development of those essays?

Please refer by title to the articles that you read and use direct quotations where appropriate.Each person is required to post an individual response, but feel free to comment upon the observations and insights of your classmates, as well. Oh, please include your first name and last initial as well as period number in your post. I look forward to reading your responses...

The Links
Blurring the Line Between a College Application and a Slick Sales Pitch
Getting In Gets Harder: The children of the baby boomers are flooding colleges with applications, making the process more competitive than ever.
Colleges, Awash in Applications, Turning Away Even Top Students
Writing the Essay: Solid Advice From an Expert - UVA
Holding College Chiefs to Their Words
The Perfect Essay Eight secrets to crafting a memorable personal statement.
The College Essay: Expert Advice
Tip Sheet: An Admissions Dean Offers Advice on Writing a College Essay
Admissions Essay Ordeal: The Young Examined Life
College essays: Nerve-racking search for just the right words
Making a hard-life story open a door to college
Controversy over College Essay Sites
College Admissions ... A little guidance
U.Va. Office of Admission Essays
Advice from an expert -
College applications can be too good -
How much do college admissions essays matter -
Teacher Says College Admissions Essays (washingtonpost.com) (2