AVID - Mr.

Duez
College Essay Rubric

Write an essay in which you tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and explain
how and why this person is important to you. (Remember the goal of a college essay - proving you are
a quality person and student to the school of your choice.)

Each aspect of the essay is graded on a scale. The highest score in the range means that the student was
complete and had a total command over the area graded. Zero means that the aspect was missing or
completely wrong. Totals in between denote amount of success in the category.

Introduction and Thesis

(Student name, period, and date (heading), clearly underlined thesis [answer to the prompt in 1-2
sentences], ideas and supporting details, stays on topic, there is an introductory sentence in each
paragraph relating the paragraph to your thesis.)
5-4-3-2-1-0
Explanation:

Clarity and Originality of Thought

(A distinct beginning and ending, with a thoughtful essay in between, the essay is logically
structured with vivid details, fresh word choice, creativity, and risk-taking)
5-4-3-2-1-0
Explanation:

Writer’s Voice
(Reader learns about you as a person and why you would be a good candidate for the college.
Conveys YOU - not just the person of influence, individual personality, something new can be
gleaned about the writer's individuality through the choice of topic and its development,
consistent throughout, engaging)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:

Freedom from Error

(Spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, free of mechanical errors, is not sloppy)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:

Success
(Interesting topic clearly developed thesis; the essay has a strong conclusion and its premise
“works”)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:

Overall Score: ________________

Explanation: