It’s that time of the year again! The time when high school seniors are starting to get stressed about their college application essays. With so many essay topics to choose from, and such a short amount of space to get your point across, how do you make sure that your essay is well-written and compelling enough for every admissions officer to take notice? Here are our best tips for writing a memorable college essay that help you stand out with college admissions officers . . .
Writing a compelling, personal introduction
The introduction is arguably the most important element of your college essay. It should grab the admission officer's attention and make them excited to learn more about you. Contrary to all the work you did learning how to write a 5-paragraph essay in high school, you should NOT simply restate the prompt in your introduction. Instead, try to think of a creative way to introduce the theme, situation or topic that you are writing about.
Other pointers for your introduction include:
- Be concise. Don't include unnecessary details or tangents in your introduction. Stick to the point and keep it brief.
- Be yourself. The admissions committee wants to get to know you, so be honest and genuine in your writing.
- Use strong verbs. Avoid passive voice and choose action-packed language to tell your story.
How to find your voice
The most important tip for writing the college essay is to find your voice. Your essay should be unique to you and should reflect your personality and interests. Don't try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, be honest and authentic. Remember: Your essay does not have to be about a big, life-changing event. In fact, sometimes the simplest ideas, situations or daily events can be the most powerful. The admissions committee will appreciate your individuality and your essay will be more memorable.
To find your voice, start by brainstorming a list of topics that are important to you. What are you passionate about? What drives you? What makes you tick? What makes you unique? What has shaped your life? What's the strangest thing that's ever happened to you?Answering one or more of questions like these will give the admissions committee a better sense of who you are and what you can contribute to their campus community.
Once you have a list of potential topics, choose the one that you're most excited about. Then, start writing! Don't worry about making it perfect at first. Just get your thoughts down on paper. Once you have a draft, you can revise and edit it to make it sound more like you.
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey
Although many students like to find a way to talk about their positive qualities and/or the many achievements they've accomplished throughout their lives, remember that admissions officers are looking for students who are capable of introspection and honest self-reflection. So be sure that along with highlighting important milestones, you also reveal some sort of journey of self-discovery as well, including any weaknesses and biases that you may have had to overcome.
Also, show, don't tell. A common mistake students make when writing essays simply listing facts and figures without providing any context or explanation. But admissions officers don't just want to read that you've done X, Y, and Z - they want to understand how those experiences have shaped who you are as a person. Take the time to showcase your accomplishments within an experience as a secondary point to the story you're telling.
Finally, stay focused. Once you have decided on a topic, stick to it! It's a better idea to talk about one situation in-depth with clarity than to try to pack in as many details and accomplishments as you can. Don't try to cover too much ground in your essay or the reader will get lost.
Ask for feedback from people who care about you
Asking for feedback from people who care about you is a great way to get constructive input that truly can help you be sure your essay is authentic and unique. It’s important to choose people whose opinion you trust and who will be honest with you. Ask your parents, teachers, or close friends for their feedback. Avoid asking people who will just tell you what you want to hear.
Once you've gathered your feedback, be sure to take the suggestions and improve upon the foundation you've already developed. Do not simply plagiarize by use someone else's ideas or words. Instead, take the time to carefully revise and edit your essay into a work you are proud to call your own.
Don't forget the finishing touches
Now that you've written a college essay that's sure to get you noticed, it's time to focus on the finishing touches. A few extra steps can make all the difference between an average essay and a great one.
Here are some final tips for making your college essay shine:
1. Edit, edit, and edit down some more. A well-edited essay with a strong voice is more likely to make a positive impression on admissions committees.
2. Take the time to proofread your work for grammatical and spelling errors. One mix up between "their" and "there" could make a big difference in getting into your dream schools.
3. Following directions truly counts when it comes to college admissions. So if you're using the same essay for many different colleges, be sure you check each school's word minimums and limits, then make any necessary edits.
Parting thoughts
Your college essay gives you the opportunity to show who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It's a chance for you tell your own unique story, in your own unique way. So be sure to take the time to consider what story, situation or theme will best highlight your personality, your unique voice, as well as your many accomplishments. Take the risk and let your authentic self shine through every word, and you'll be on your way to developing an engaging college essay that gets noticed!
Looking for some extra help with your college essay? Find out about our latest workshops, or get one-on-one help by contacting RingTrue today!
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