How to Write Better College Essays

How to Write Better College Essaysofficials, so don't create a lazy intro that simply sums
As college admissions become more and moreup what you'll discuss. Be vivid, clear and original; try
difficult and applicants become more and morepiquing their interest with an anecdote or poignant
qualified, the college essay gains clout as a vital partquestion. Give your intro an element of mystery and
of the application process. An outstanding personalintrigue -- really make the reader want to read more.
essay, no matter how long, is sometimes theThis could be the most important paragraph in the
deciding factor for a prospective student. But it's notessay, so devote plenty of time to crafting this well.
enough to show proficiency with the written word --REVEAL YOUR PERSONALITY
at least not anymore. Today's personal essaysSure, admissions officials aren't your best friends and
revolve around the sense of personality and styleyou shouldn't write as if they are. But if you get
gleaned from each sentence, and it's yourmired in formality, paralyzed by grammar, you might
responsibility to harness those elements. Theexclude the most crucial element of your essay --
following tips will get you on your way to theyou. Colleges want to know who you are and what
acceptance pile.traits make you shine, so don't be afraid to let the
BRAINSTORM EARLYreal you shine through. But never paint yourself into
The most important part of a college essay is thean image that isn't really you; if you have to alter
actual topic, so you need plenty of time to mull overyour personality drastically to gain acceptance to a
the choices. You'll want something interesting, but notschool, chances are good that it's not the right school
cliché¬ significant but not trite. Considerfor you.
the following questions during your brainstormingFORGET THE BIG WORDS...SOMETIMES
process:Showing off your massive vocabulary may seem like
1. What distinguishes you from others in your agean instant ticket to acceptance. But if you're using a
group? Any special skills, talents, interests orthesaurus for every word or phrase, you're probably
attributes?draining the essay of both personality and readability.
2. Have you engaged yourself in a fierce struggle forUse only words you'd actually use in conversation (or,
something? Did you succeed or fail? What have youat least, words of which you know the meaning) and
learned?be sparing; big words are fine, of course, but they
3. What are your most concrete goals for theneed to make sense in context. Wordiness for the
future? Where do want to be in 20 years and howsake of wordiness doesn't make you seem smarter;
will you get there?it just seems moderately uncreative. To write in Plain
4. What or who has been influential in your life? HowEnglish, use a software program like WhiteSmoke
or why?Software ( ) or StyleWriter ( ).
NARROW THE TOPICEND WITH A BANG
Though it's tempting to ramble through your wholeSince the college essay is usually short to begin with,
life story in a college essay, be careful to keep yourconcluding with a summary paragraph is fairly
topic narrowed. Write one sentence (a thesis, in aredundant. Instead, use this paragraph to create a
sentence) that sums up the point of your entirestunning last impression. How does your topic fit into
essay, and make each paragraph support that onea larger issue? What have you learned from the
sentence. Try not to get too lofty with yourexperience about which you've written? Are there
concept; find the point and stick to it.any poignant quotes that illuminate your ideas? You
FINE-TUNE THE OPENINGdon't need to create a tidy, television-style wrap-up,
The opening paragraph is your first (and sometimesbut you do need to end strongly; this is your last
only) chance to grab firmly the attention of admissionchance to make a vivid impression.