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College Application Essays

Prepare for writing essays
Essay advice - General
The best essays to write
Don't just write your essays, "Show" your essays
Answer the "Why?" in your essay
Support your college application strategy
Recommended essay format
Brainstorming and writing
WARNING! Make sure your essay is yours
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Summary of essay guidelines

Writing Winning Essays Using Conversation Quotes

 

Using a conversation with quotes from people in a dialogue draws readers into your essay.  For example, you might write a dialogue between you and a very influential person in your life.  This person could be sharing his/her life experiences, opinions, wisdom and thoughts to raise your awareness of important issues or events.  Bring to life the ideas discussed and their importance to you through a vivid conversation. Use quotes to allow readers to “step into” the discussion and be part of the conversation.

 

I said, “ . . . ”

Mr. Smith replied, “ . . . “

I exclaimed, “ . . . “

Mr. Smith calmly clarified his point, “. . . “

I understood and nodded.  I asked him, “Mr. Smith, tell me . . . “

Etc.

Don’t be overly emotional or sarcastic.  Don’t try to be funny unless you’re absolutely sure readers will appreciate the context of your essay.  Admission officers view humor that fails in a very poor light.

To write a “winning essay”, you can use:           
           
Detailed descriptions.

Detailed step-by-step actions leading to the significant event or thesis of your essay.

Conversations with actual quotes from people in the conversation.