How to Write Better College Essays

How to Write Better College Essayssometimes only) chance to grab firmly the
As college admissions become more and moreattention of admission officials, so don't create a
difficult and applicants become more and morelazy intro that simply sums up what you'll discuss.
qualified, the college essay gains clout as a vitalBe vivid, clear and original; try piquing their interest
part of the application process. An outstandingwith an anecdote or poignant question. Give your
personal essay, no matter how long, is sometimesintro an element of mystery and intrigue -- really
the deciding factor for a prospective student. Butmake the reader want to read more. This could
it's not enough to show proficiency with thebe the most important paragraph in the essay, so
written word -- at least not anymore. Today'sdevote plenty of time to crafting this well.
personal essays revolve around the sense ofREVEAL YOUR PERSONALITY
personality and style gleaned from each sentence,Sure, admissions officials aren't your best friends
and it's your responsibility to harness thoseand you shouldn't write as if they are. But if you
elements. The following tips will get you on yourget mired in formality, paralyzed by grammar,
way to the acceptance pile.you might exclude the most crucial element of
BRAINSTORM EARLYyour essay -- you. Colleges want to know who
The most important part of a college essay is theyou are and what traits make you shine, so don't
actual topic, so you need plenty of time to mullbe afraid to let the real you shine through. But
over the choices. You'll want somethingnever paint yourself into an image that isn't really
interesting, but not cliché, significant but notyou; if you have to alter your personality
trite. Consider the following questions during yourdrastically to gain acceptance to a school, chances
brainstorming process:are good that it's not the right school for you.
1.FORGET THE BIG WORDS...SOMETIMES
What distinguishes you from others in your ageShowing off your massive vocabulary may seem
group? Any special skills, talents, interests orlike an instant ticket to acceptance. But if you're
attributes?using a thesaurus for every word or phrase,
2.you're probably draining the essay of both
Have you engaged yourself in a fierce strugglepersonality and readability. Use only words you'd
for something? Did you succeed or fail? Whatactually use in conversation (or, at least, words of
have you learned?which you know the meaning) and be sparing; big
3.words are fine, of course, but they need to
What are your most concrete goals for themake sense in context. Wordiness for the sake
future? Where do want to be in 20 years andof wordiness doesn't make you seem smarter; it
how will you get there?just seems moderately uncreative. To write in
4.Plain English, use a software program like
What or who has been influential in your life? HowWhiteSmoke Software ( ) or StyleWriter ( ).
or why?END WITH A BANG
NARROW THE TOPICSince the college essay is usually short to begin
Though it's tempting to ramble through yourwith, concluding with a summary paragraph is
whole life story in a college essay, be careful tofairly redundant. Instead, use this paragraph to
keep your topic narrowed. Write one sentence (acreate a stunning last impression. How does your
thesis, in a sentence) that sums up the point oftopic fit into a larger issue? What have you
your entire essay, and make each paragraphlearned from the experience about which you've
support that one sentence. Try not to get toowritten? Are there any poignant quotes that
lofty with your concept; find the point and stickilluminate your ideas? You don't need to create a
to it.tidy, television-style wrap-up, but you do need to
FINE-TUNE THE OPENINGend strongly; this is your last chance to make a
The opening paragraph is your first (andvivid impression.