Grading
Rubric: College Application Essays
AN "A" PAPER: 100
1. Is rich in form and content, marked by stylistic finesse.
2. Displays careful organization and development.
3. Has an engaging title and/or opening paragraph.
4. Uses skillful and smooth transitions.
5. Has a strong closing paragraph that is thematically related to the
opening.
6. Exhibits phrasing that is tight, fresh, and highly specific.
7. Provides a personal, clear, consistent and authentic voice.
8. Uses accurate and particularly vivid diction.
9. Varies syntax to enhance the essay's purpose.
10. Has a clear tone that enhances the essay's purpose.
11. Imparts a feeling of unity and clarity.
12. Makes the reader feel as if s/he has gotten to know the author.
13. Makes the author rise above "the pack".
14. Contains NO errors in grammar or mechanics.
A "B" PAPER: 92
1. Is significantly more than merely competent. Delivers substantial
information.
2. Has a strong opening. Contains specific points that are logically
ordered and unified.
3. Development is less specific than an A paper, but is adequate for the
essay's purpose.
4. Has an authentic and clear voice in places, but does not consistently
develop or project that voice.
5. Has a closing paragraph that is thematically related to the
opening.
6. Transitions are mostly smooth. Syntax is pleasingly varied.
7. Diction is fairly concise and precise, but not particularly vivid.
8. VERY FEW errors in grammar/mechanics.
A "C" PAPER: 84
1. Is generally competent: meets the minimum terms of the assignment.
2. Reasonably organized. A clear organizational structure may not be fully
realized.
3. Lacks a sense of an authentic voice, often relies on cliches or overused
expressions.
4. Actual information often presented as vague generalities. "Telling
not
5. showing."
6. Often lacks specific examples, or may contain specific examples but not
clarifying explanations.
7. Opening does not draw the reader in, closing is merely a perfunctory
wrap-up.
8. Demonstrates a beginning awareness of transitions between paragraphs,
often choppy or abrupt.
9. Little variation in syntax: predictable, repetitive, choppy
sentences.
10. Diction occasionally marred by repetition, redundancy and
imprecision.
11. Relatively free of serious grammatical/mechanical errors.
A "D" PAPER: 76
1. Indicates an attempt to respond to the assignment.
2. Development unclear or completely lacking.
3. Confusing, unclear, or ineffective organization; often rambling.
4. Weak opening and closing. Repeats question in first sentence, e.g.
5. Vague, imprecise or inappropriate diction.
6. Incorrect or awkward sentence structure, often interfering with clarity
of meaning.
7. Some serious errors in grammar/mechanics.
8. Evidence of careful proofreading is scanty, if non-existent.
