College Admission Essay: Common App Personal Statement Essay Workbook

Updated 2020-2021

The Common App, Personal Statement Essay Workbook is a 45 page Editable GoogleDoc Workbook.  This workbook includes hyperlinks to 19 editable Google Documents that guide students, step-by-step, through crafting an effective personal statement essay.

I have used the 22 Activities and 12 Supplemental Resources that are within the workbook, and linked throughout, both in-person and remotely. I have used this workbook in English Class, in College Prep Class, and for private tutoring.

Students will complete assignments directly in the workbook:

• Students will to learn about the significance of this personal statement essay
• Students will review Common Pitfalls of ineffective personal statement essays
• Students will complete multiple free-writes to help theme generate their best experience to share with college admission officers
• Students will evaluate full length examples of four personal statement essays for their strengths and weaknesses
• Students will breakdown the prompts and choose the best prompt for their experience
• Students will analyze introduction examples & learn key strategies to draft a creative lead
• Students will review tips and draft their body paragraphs
• Students will analyze conclusion examples & learn key strategies to draft an effective conclusion
• Students will revise their personal statement essay using supplemental resources to add transitions, and power verbs
• Students will engage in a peer review revision process

Every page of the The Common App, Personal Statement Essay Workbook is interactive, and directions are posted on the top of each activity.  Activities can be assigned for students to complete independently, or teachers can use the workbook in their classes.

• While this workbook is specifically designed for the Common App prompts, the brainstorming, drafting, and revising activities can be adapted to personal statement essays that appear on other college applications.