Resist the temptation to buy the “best college essays” book
Carolyn Caplan: The college wants to know specifically what you'd be bringing with you to their campus, so this is not an essay that's interchangeable between colleges. This is an essay that only you can write about only this school. If any sentence doesn't fit that formula, it needs to be deleted. They want to see the person you are, the experiences you've had that you'd bring to the school, and what your interactions would be like with their professors, clubs or campus features based on your interests.
College Confidential: What's the most compelling thing a student can put in a "Why do you want to go to this college" essay?
You may have an amazing story to tell for your college application essay, but your writing is going to fall flat if it doesn't use an engaging and effective style. For your essay to truly shine, you need to pay attention to not just what you say, but also how you say it. These style tips can help you turn a bland and wordy admissions essay into an engaging narrative that improves your chances of being admitted.
College Confidential: What should a student do if they're really happy with their personal essay but they feel they've strayed from the prompt?
Carolyn Caplan: I ask two questions that bring about the best essays. The first is, "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?" That shows what is important to the student and what they would do in life if they could do anything. Sometimes they figure out they already have that, or that it isn't so great and that they don't need it after all. The second is either "What do you think about just before you go to sleep?" or "What keeps you awake at night?" I find that a lot of students have never been asked that and it encourages them to investigate what they feel deep down. I get a lot of students who talk about fear of growing up, their worries about being authentic, or finding out their friends aren't authentic, and I have them take those thoughts to the Most Dangerous Writing App, and it can be the basis for a great essay.
It's easy to get caught up in the narrative and exposition of your experience, but college admissions officers are more interested in growth. Focus less on describing and more on the “Why does this matter?”
Also, I advise students to try , which encourages free writing without stopping. When they do that, 99 percent of the time they'll end up with an essay, because they stop stressing about what to write about and instead they write what they value and think and believe. It forces them to write what they're thinking about and get out of their heads so they can get into their heads — if that makes sense. Students are often focused on having an idea about what to cover before starting. But instead of worrying about ideas, let's talk about what students feel, think and value. No matter what machine or theme or element you use to share your message across the screen — the topic is you.
I have five GREAT Tips for Starting your College Essay!
It’s sad to say, but admissions officers don’t always have time to read the entirety of every single essay that lands on their desks. That means you have to grab their attention almost immediately with . A good hook is surprising, funny, sincere, and/or a little strange. Consider going ironic, unexpected, or contrary to what the general public might think, and then bring it back to your thesis.
Below are some examples of good college essay topics:
One thing you can rely on: Most college application essays are formatted the same way, using a basic . A personal statement is usually organized with:
35+ Best College Essay Tips from College Application Experts
There unfortunately isn’t a magic pill or one-size-fits-all solution to writing a college essay that’ll immediately get you through the entry gates. But that’s part of the beauty! You don’t have to copy other prospective students. You just have to write to your own strengths.
Best essay advice youve ever gotten : r/ApplyingToCollege - Reddit
College essay season is upon us, which means students have the perfect opportunity to share information about what makes them unique and interesting. But for many students, essays can be a chore, as they stress over which topics will be the most compelling for them to cover.
How to Write the Best College Application Essay - BigFuture
Personal statements are your primary college essay. They can be open-ended, meaning that you come up with a topic of your own, or the college may have a broad question or prompt. In either case, the main role of the is to ask, “Who are you, and what makes you tick?”
Crafting an Unforgettable College Essay - The Princeton Review
You’ll typically encounter two types of college essays: the personal statement and supplemental essays. They are different in terms of length and format, but they both serve the same role of teaching admissions about you and your life.