Dear Seniors:

On Wednesday, October 13, the English department will provide you with the opportunity to have your college essay read by an English teacher other than your own.

This optional session will be held in the cafeteria from 7:30-10:30.

If you are interested in attending, here's how the process will work.

• English teachers will be available to read college essays. Due to the expected number of students attending this session, you will meet with one English teacher only.
• When you arrive, you will sign up for a meeting on a posted list (posted at 7:20 a.m.). Students may not sign names for other seniors. Beginning at 7:25 a.m., students will be called in order by the next available teacher. Teachers will work with students who are not currently enrolled in their English classes.
• Teacher-Student sessions will be no longer than 10 minutes.
• Teachers who are reading your essays will NOT ask you about what your English teachers have said about your essay. To be very clear: The feedback you receive in these meetings is yours to use as you wish and should not be misunderstood as some validation of, or a contradictory opinion to, any feedback or assessments you have received for your essay from your primary English teacher.  

How to prepare for your meeting:

1. Please bring your latest clean copy of ONE college essay, either in print or on your laptop (please, do not hand your phone to the teacher to read your essay).
2. Be sure to include the prompt that you are responding to and any unique word limits or requirements.
3. Be prepared to share a specific concern or question for the reader ("Does it answer the second half of the prompt?" "Is it too much about my father?" "Am I dancing too much around my answer?").
4. Do NOT tell the teacher what others have said about your essay.
5. Be prepared to take notes when the teacher provides verbal feedback.

When your conference ends, you have three options:

1. stay in the cafeteria to work on your essay;

2. go to room _____ to study (room to be determined); or

3. go home.

At the conclusion of this session, Period 4B will begin for an adjusted afternoon bell schedule for all students.

We hope this provides objective feedback as you continue to refine your college essay. We look forward to working with you!