<p>For the Scripps application, I have to submit an analytical essay. I was thinking of sending a 7 page research paper I did. Is that analytical?</p>
<p>I mean, I do analyze how different factors contribute to the plight of urban workers and make connections. But I don't know if the admissions officers would see it that way. </p>
<p>Any opinions?</p>
<p>You could try getting in touch with the admissions office and asking. I definitely knew students who came to Scripps having never written a real analytical essay, so I'm sure that there's a bit of flexibility re: what's acceptable. That said, a research paper would be atypical. If it's your only option, then it's your only option. But if you have a decently strong alternative (I imagine that English essays, in which you might, for example, be using textual evidence to argue for a certain intepretation of a literary work, are the norm), I'd probably recommend using it.</p>
<p>You might ask the teacher who graded the paper if (s)he thinks it would be appropriate given the application guidelines. If you're still confused, I'd recommend shooting a brief email off to admissions. Something very vaguely along the lines of: "I know that the application calls for an analytical essay, but [Where's the trouble? You've never written one? You haven't written one recently? You don't believe you have one that's indicative of your true abilities?]. Would it be acceptable for me to attach a [What's the course/topic?] research paper, provided that it does include a fair deal of social and historical analysis?" If not, it's okay, thanks for your time, so on and so forth.</p>
<p>Good luck :)</p>
<p>I think the instructions are the same as last year. They want "a graded analytical writing assignment, preferably no longer than 3 pages".
Check with admissions but I think they specify "analytical" because they don't want a "creative writing assignment". So I don't think it has to be a true "analytical essay".</p>
<p>BTW - How to submit this essay? My d is using the Common App for her Scripps application. Should she send this separately by traditional mail?</p>
<p>Also, she came away with the impression that she should submit the essay with the teacher's feedback on it (that is, she interpreted "graded" as show us the graded paper.) </p>
<p>Any thoughts? Obviously, she can send off an email on this to admissions, but does any one have a sense of this?</p>
<p>We are assuming "snail mail" to the address given on the common BP. site. And yes, with the teachers feedback.</p>
<p>Ditto Shrinkrap: yes, feedback included. I just photocopied mine and mailed it in.</p>
<p>What exactly is an analytical essay?</p>
<p>Roughly speaking, an analytical essay is one in which you're analyzing something. In high school, most of these tend to come from English classes, although they could come from elsewhere (particularly History, Government, or Fine Arts).</p>
<p>Here's a semi-decent explanation: English</a> Composition 2: Writing an Analysis</p>
<p>Maybe you're analyzing the way in which an author's use of certain literary devices supports the tone of her work, or the way in which a poem's structure reflects its theme. You could also be analyzing the way in which two historical events relate to one another, or the effect of historical context on the outcome of a political decision. Perhaps you're examining a piece of artwork, a musical composition, a current event, a novel, or an election, but the key word is examining, as opposed to merely critiquing or reporting. You'll go deeper than "I liked this book" or "This book was about a young boy." You'll back yourself up with primary evidence (that is to say, you won't simply report on someone else's analytical claims, even if you do use them to back yourself up).</p>
<p>Most of what you've written in your upperclass high school English courses is *probably<a href="but%20not%20always,%20depending%20on%20your%20school">/i</a> a safe bet. Creative writing and most "personal assignments" (i.e. "What I Did This Summer") wouldn't count, but essays about class readings, as long as they go deeper than "Summarize this book and discuss your reactions to it," probably would. If you're unsure, ask a teacher. I also suggest googling "analytical essay + example" or whatever, just to get an idea.</p>
<p>And don't worry too much, because like kcpdmp said, "I think they specify 'analytical' because they don't want a 'creative writing assignment'" (but of course, if you have a strong actual analytical essay, that's probably your safest bet, especially given the importance of critical thinking at Scripps, not to mention the number of these essays that you'll be writing in your first semester alone)!</p>
<p>actually, I called the admissions office and they said a research paper was fine. (Just to answer my own question : ) )</p>
<p>Ahh, thanks for the explanation. I actually do write a lot of analytical essays for my AP lit class.</p>
<p>Also, are the page requirements strict? Because often times I write essays that are only 2 pages, but I still get a good grade (and it's quality, not quantity, right?)</p>
<p>And what if the teacher doesn't really write comments other than a "Good job!" and a grade? Would that be fine?</p>
<p>2 pages should be find since the instructions say "preferably no longer than 3 pages", right??</p>
<p>I don't think it is a super big deal but if you are on good terms with the teacher who graded the paper, maybe you could explain that you are sending it in as part of an application and ask if he/she could add a few comments to support why they thought it was a "good job".</p>