Get Started –The College
Application Essay
Below is a condensed list of the MyCollegeCalendar
recommended steps for writing outstanding application essays. The steps
are listed in chronologic order.
1. Prepare
to write application essays early in the college application process. Many colleges require
multiple essays; writing quality essays will take longer time than you
anticipate.
2. Brainstorm
essay topics.
Quickly write down ideas and thoughts without regard to any essay organization;
get your ideas onto paper so you don’t forget anything. Writing
and editing your essay will come later.
3. The
best essay is one that reveals one or two aspects of your personality. When
you write about an event or influential person, write about their importance
to you. Don’t write about your accomplishments; those are
presented on your application and student résumé.
4. “Show” your
essay,
don’t just write a report. Make your essay come alive by
using detailed
descriptions, detailed
step-by-step actions, or conversations
with actual quotes.
5. Answer the, “Why
are you writing this essay?” question. This is the most important part of the essay; tell readers
why the essay subject is important to you and what you learned from it.
6. Try to write an essay the supports your student
theme. This
will enhance your overall application and will help admission officers
understand your strengths.
7. Use a structured essay
format.
8. Make sure adults
don’t completely change your essay so it seems impossible you wrote it. Some admission officers analyze
student SAT® / ACT® writing samples and will compare the quality
of writing samples to the essay submitted with college applications. If
it appears someone else wrote your essay, you probably will get rejected
by the colleges you apply to.
9. Online
essay assistance is available, including personal
statement guidance and essay
do’s and don’ts.
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