On Thursday, October 20, FEAC-EducationUSA also hosted a special CommonApp essay writing workshop, coordinated by Andrea Vagi, NYU Abu Dhabi outreach officer.

Our guest kindly agreed to share her insight and provide some insider’s tips on what makes a compelling personal essay with the 8 participants who joined us for this in-center event, alongside one of our 2016 Opportunity Funds finalists joining us via Skype.

Ms. Vagi started by emphasizing the need for clarity and for taking the time to think about what makes one unique. As a useful brainstorming strategy, she encouraged participants to try to approach all the CommonApp essay prompts and jot down at least one idea for each one, before deciding on a shortlist.

Following a couple of general tips, she went on to present each of this year’s five CommonApp prompts, providing samples of opening paragraphs and encouraging participants to identify and discuss the most effective ones.

Many thanks to Ms. Vagi and good luck everyone in starting work on your first draft!