College Essays With Mr. Rafferty
By Lindsey Piel
The seniors are working hard on their college applications as the big deadlines approach. Most colleges’ regular decision deadline is January 1, though some are closing this month. Additionally, many colleges use November 1 as the deadline for early decision, scholarship consideration, and early action. With October quickly coming to an end, here is some advice from Mr. Rafferty to the seniors.
If you are still struggling with a topic for the personal essay, Mr. Rafferty suggests picking a moment that defines who you are right now. Furthermore, ask yourself what was going on in your head at that time? How did you feel? Why did it change you?
Most seniors have taken an English class with Mr. Rafferty and are familiar with his classic lesson of ‘hooking’ the reader right away. The admissions department will appreciate uniqueness while reading the same ‘trite’ sports essays over and over Personal and supplemental essays are the time to apply Mr. Rafferty’s class to your life. “It’s the same in creative writing. Hooking me right away so I want to read more of it. It’s one of those things where you don’t save your best for the ending.”
Lastly, do not forget the purpose of these essays. Mr. Rafferty adds, “I think they are looking to see that you have faced some sort of adversity and have been able to handle it–really looking to see if you’re able to live on your own.” Ask yourself, how do you handle adversity? That is what he advises you to incorporate into your essays.
