Orono Community Education

The college application process is complex and many colleges ask students to write personal statements and supplemental essays. In this two-session virtual class, students will learn how to write an effective essay and personal statement through guided exercises. They will have an opportunity to create a draft of the Common Application personal statement, evaluate supplemental essays and discuss how to answer common supplemental questions. Students will receive written feedback and will have an option to have an essay review meeting with a College Connector counselor. During Session 1 of this 2-session virtual workshop, College Connectors counselors will educate students about the purpose of the Common Application personal statement, evaluate and discuss effective essays, and guide students through exercises to create a draft of their personal statement. During Session 2, we will evaluate sample supplemental essays and discuss how to answer common supplemental questions that demonstrate to colleges there is a strong mission, academic, or cultural fit between the student and the college. Expectations: Students will be expected to complete pre-work for Session 1. Between Session 1 and 2, students will be expected to complete a first draft of their personal statement to receive written feedback. After students address the first round of feedback, students will have an option to have an essay review meeting with a College Connectors counselor by August 12th. Students will be expected to have cameras on as this is an interactive workshop. Registration deadline: July 21, 2025