Name:___________________________________

Personal Statement Pre-Test and 1st Draft

pd._______

College Admission Essay Rubric

9-10

7-8

5-6

3-4

1-2

Meaning: the extent to

which the response
shows sound understanding , interpretation of the task

Stayed true to assignment, answering college

admissions question
Showed effort and interest in work

Stayed true to assignment straying a little

from essay topic
Showed effort

Did not stay true to topic,

showed some interest
due to creativity within
writing

Off topic, showed little

interest in writing
Confusing to reader on
what was written and
objective of essay

Objective of College
Admission Essay was
not achieved or attempted. Little awareness of
what the objective was

Development: The
extent to which ideas
are elaborated.

Develop ideas clearly

and fully. Paragraphing
includes topic, details,
and examples all that are
relevant to topic (points
out individuality)

Develop ideas clearly

and consistently. Paragraphing sometimes follows method. Lacking
full development of topics.

Develop ideas clearly

and consistently. Paragraphing sometimes follows method. Lacking
full development of topics.

Develop ideas clearly

and consistently. Paragraphing sometimes follows method. Lacking
full development of topics.

No development of ideas
Paragraphs do not stay
on one topic

Organization: The
extent to which the
essay shows direction,
shape, and coherence.
Rough drafting or using graphic organizer

Essay is easy to follow

Thesis, topic sentences
in paragraphs relate to
thesis, and conclusion is
thoughtful and directs
back to objective of essay,

Essay maintains focus,

Thesis may not be clear
or thesis clear but gets a
bit off tangent in body
paragraphs. Conclusion
follows format but not
reflective of assignment

Essay is focuses, but has

tangents that are off topic
No rough draft or essay
planner turned in

Essay is hard to follow

due to lack of organization. Attempts at topics
for paragraphs have been
made

No rough draft
No essay planner
No thesis found
Essay makes no sense
because of organization
issues

Language: The extent

to which the essay reveals awareness of audience. Uses effective
words, sentence structure, and variety

sophisticated language
used, no abbreviations.
Does not repeat sentence
beginnings
Variety of simple and
complex sentences
Notable sense of voice

Formal language awareness, some contractions,

Varied vocabulary
Attempts varied sentence
structures

Appropriate language,
not quite as sophisticated
as should be, some contractions, slang, or colloquialisms
Sentences are varied a
little

Basic vocabulary used

Little awareness of audience
Attempts to vary sentence structure with uneven success

Language somewhat
inappropriate or unsuitable
Incoherent at times
Little awareness of audience

Conventions: the extent

to which the essay
shows correct spelling,
punctuation, paragraphing, capitalization, grammar, MLA
form

Excellent grammar and

MLA form.
No errors
Rubric attached

Very few errors, only

when using sophisticated
language
MLA form used
Rubric attached

Some control of the conventions, some grammar,

some punctuation problems
MLA form a little off
Rubric attached

Little control over the

conventions. Still able to
read
MLA Form off
Rubric attached

Difficult to read due to

errors
MLA form ignored
No rubric

Name:___________________________________
Personal Statement Pre-Test and 1st Draft

pd._______

Introduction: Writing your personal statement can be one of the most satisfying--or frustrating--writing experiences you'll ever
have. The personal statement is an important part of your application package to university and/or future employment processes.
Depending on the topic you choose, the essay you write provides additional evidence of your intellectual and creative achievement.
The essay is also the only opportunity for the readers of your application to get a feel for you as a person as well as for you as a student or employee. The essay is also the place where you can put your academic record into the context of your opportunities and
obstacles.
There is no one correct way to write a personal statement, but in general those who will read your essay are looking for two
important things:

HOW the essay provides evidence of your achievements that isn't reflected in other parts of your application

HOW and WHY the events that you describe have shaped your attitude, focus, and, most of all, your intellectual vitality.

Here are your writing prompts per the Common Application that you should use for this task:
#1: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be
incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Option #2: Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
Option #3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
Option #4: Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is
it meaningful to you?
Option #5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Remember to stay focused, work quickly, use any brainstorming needed, and to try to keep it to approximately 650 words.