Should I title my college essay?
Starting your college application essay involves a lot of self-reflection! Once you choose your prompt, begin from there. Starting early– not cramming, but dedicating sufficient time and taking plenty of breaks throughout the process will help you craft a memorable personal statement for the Common App. If you need any assistance with any stage in the process, please send me a message. Best of luck, I believe in you!
Now, I think the writing framework for a college essay is a bit different. Novelty is important, but because admissions officers are trained to evaluate the whole essay, there's one more element that goes into a college essay framework. That is:
Most are acceptable for if you can use them to or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:
Should I indent or us paragraph breaks in my college essay?
Something one of my teachers told me in high school was any good essay will have personal elements in it, no matter the topic. That always stuck with me and became the way I approached my college essays. Showing vulnerability in your writing will always guarantee interest. It also evokes emotion.
Either. Just be consistent. The exception here is if you’re pasting into a box that screws up your formatting—for example, if, when you copy your essay into the box, your indentations are removed, go with paragraph breaks. (And when you get to college, be sure to check what style guide you should be following: Chicago, APA, MLA, etc., can all take different approaches to formatting, and different fields have different standards.)
Personal statements are not English essays. They don’t need to be 5 paragraphs with a clear, argumentative thesis in the beginning and a conclusion that sums everything up. So feel free to break from that. How many paragraphs are appropriate for a college essay? Within reason, it’s up to you. We’ve seen that use 4 paragraphs, and some that use 8 or more (especially if you have dialogue—yes, dialogue is OK too!).
I know being vulnerable can be tough for some, but showing this side of you to college admissions officers and/or professors will not only make you stand out, but it can also help free you of things that might be weighing on your mind. Not to sound corny, but it can be therapeutic and make you a better writer. Just make sure you are staying on track with the essay prompt, and you're set!
How long should my college essay be?
As for the time required to write your college essay, it depends on your writing skills, and the complexity of the topic. I would recommended to start working on your essay at least 2 months before the application deadline. This timeframe will give you ample time for brainstorming, drafting, and revising your work, as well as seeking feedback from your teachers, tutors, peers,and family!
I have five GREAT Tips for Starting your College Essay!
**Final Review**:
- Before submitting, review the essay one last time to ensure it meets all the requirements and effectively conveys your message.
Remember that your college essays are a chance to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with unique experiences and perspectives.
How (and why) to outline your college essay to use a good structure
Be honest, thoughtful, and reflective in your writing, and use your essays to make a compelling case for why you'd be a valuable addition to the college community.
This is a college essay that worked for .
Above all, be open. Showing introspection and self-awareness in your essay will show any admissions committee who you are beneath the surface, as well as your personal growth.
This is a college essay that worked for .
You can also begin your essay being as random and silly as you'd like. It goes hand-in-hand with other important factors like vulnerability and authenticity. But don't get too crazy. Beginning your essay with something strange will definitely draw readers in. Let me show you what I mean.
This is a college essay that worked for (UPenn).
The beginning of your essay should, first and foremost, . This sentence sets the tone for not only your readers but for the entire essay. Having a wobbly, almost interesting opener can steer an admissions officer and/or professor away, so you want it to be strong. And it doesn't have to be complicated! Less is more in this situation. Here are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.