How to Write a College Application Essay
Giving Colleges What They Want to Hear From an Applicant
Dec 1, 2008
The two most pivotal factors in getting accepted to any college are the essay and the interview. The essay is the one part of the application that doesn’t ask for numbers or titles or organizations that one has been involved in. It is the part that reveals the human aspect of the prospective student. Thus, it is usually the college’s favorite part to read/review.
The Types of College Application Essays
Collegeboard breaks down the kinds of essay questions on college applications into three categories: “you,” “why us,” and “creative.” A “you” question asks the applicant to describe one or several aspects of herself, such as: “Who has influenced you the most in the past five years?” A “why us” question asks the applicant to explain why he wants to be accepted to their college or why he wants to study a certain subject, such as: “How do you feel or hope that our college will help you grow as an intellectual?” Finally, a “creative” question asks for an opinion on a certain topic, such as: “What do you feel are the three most important things we could do as a global community that would help the environment?” Collegeboard.com gives other sample prompts for each type of essay.
Tips for Writing Application Essays
- Honesty - Especially in the “you” question, it is imperative to be as open and personal as possible. Approach it as a sort of academic journal entry. The goal is to be insightful, leading the reader down a course of events that brings her to an eye-opening understanding of a deep part of you. Show the best qualities you can show, but don’t be afraid to express regret where it is due, especially if the question asks for it.
- Scope - Possibly the hardest part of essay writing, scope keeps a writer focused on the relevant information so that the overall point is strengthened. Don’t just stick to the topic; stick to the argument. Admissions officers should be able to not only understand how you feel about something, but why you feel that way. This may require further introspection if the essay appears scattered.
- Creativity - Different people have different writing abilities, and it’s usually better to air on the side of simplicity and clarity than to throw in a new word you haven’t used much, which can confuse the meaning of a phrase. But stretch your mind to a very specific image that you can accurately communicate. Also, telling a story or using direct quotes makes an essay more colorful.
- Proofread - Reading an essay over again isn’t enough. Get several other pairs of eyes to read it through, critique its clarity and unity, make sure the sentences flow, and check the grammar and punctuation. Microsoft Word’s grammar check often can’t tell when essential words like “to” are left out of sentences.
Online Essay Help
Some websites connect people to services where Ivy League students edit college essays for them. Others show sample winning essays. Remember, though, that effective writers are everywhere for advice and guidance. Write from the heart, stay focused on the argument, make it appealing, and get others to read it.
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