Make your college application essay shine
The Set-Up
Organization is key to pulling together your application essay:INTRODUCTION Don't just plunge into your essay. Start off with an attention-getter, like an anecdote, a shocking fact, or a question. The introduction is also the time to give your thesis, what your essay is all about.
BODY This is the part where organization separates the exceptional students from the ordinary. Your ideas should flow one right into the other, and every paragraph should support your thesis statement.
CONCLUSION The conclusion will provide a short wrap-up of what you have said. A solid ending will show that you truly believe what you wrote.
Most students see essay questions as the worst form of torture.
But the truth is, the essay questions that are included in the college application packets are the school's opportunity to get a feel for you and your individual talents and personality.
For you, it's the chance to set yourself apart from the other applicants.
Believe it or not, you already have a head start on writing a college admissions essay. Many English teachers emphasize this type of essay writing during your last years of high school, and Kentucky public school students have had all those years of portfolio writing.
Remember that most colleges are expecting you to share a single experience or support a single statement in your admissions essay. Keep it short and to the point; they've got thousands of essays to read. Pick something that's unique, something admissions officials don't see every day. Emphasize what makes you different and what unique qualities you will bring to the student body.
Even though the style and content may be a little different than your portfolio pieces, the process is still the same. Be sure to utilize all those brainstorming skills you've learned, from mapping to outlining, and then write a first draft. Focus on the three main parts you've used all along: introduction, body and conclusion.
Once you have a draft, wait a few days before editing. You'll want to read it aloud, in addition to checking for spelling and grammar. Make sure to have several other people-maybe one who knows you well and one who has good editing skills-read it as well.
Get an Edge on the Competition:
Admissions experts offer several suggestions when it comes to writing a winning admission essay. They include:- Become familiar with the college/university
- Take time to evaluate what you want in a college
- Follow the essay directions
- Outline your ideas
- Write a practice essay
- Avoid super-sensitive and private matters; avoid being overly clever
- Show, don't just tell
- Be concise
- Proofread
Typical Essay Questions:
- What does a college education mean to you?
- Why did you apply to this college?
- Describe one person who has inspired you and why.
- What does success mean to you?
- Explain what meaning your faith has to you.
- Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
- Describe a time in your life when you felt fulfilled.
Writing Tips:
- Always re-read your essay to check for spelling and grammar. It's okay to use spell check on the computer, but don't rely on it completely. If you're filling out an online application, copy and paste your essay into a regular document, run it through spell check and then print it out. It's a good idea to get someone else to read through it to catch mistakes you might have missed.
- Stick to using proper English. When you're proofing your essay, steer clear of using the slang and abbreviations you might be accustomed to using when you're chatting with your friends on the Internet.
- Stay on track and stick to the point. Longer isn't always better when it comes
to essays. Respond to the question with complete sentences, but avoid getting
too wordy and losing sight of the answer.
