Writing the College Essay
The college application essay is the one place where you have control over the information and impression you give to an admission committee. It’s your chance to highlight aspects of your achievements, character and personality that aren’t always made clear in the other pieces of your application credentials. It lets the admission committee see you as you see yourself.
Here are some important tips to get you started:
- Relax. Remind yourself that you’re in control of the essay.
- Be sure you understand and answer the question(s) being asked. Read the instructions carefully before you begin and one last time before you submit the final product.
- Use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. However, it is unwise to rely too heavily on spellcheckers. First thing you know, you’re (sic) essay might contradict what your (sic) trying to demonstrate about yourself.
- The essay should be neatly typed/word-processed.
- Don’t just talk about the “what.” Tell us the “how” and “why.” For example, a description of the community volunteer work you do at a local senior center only goes so far (the what). Tell us why you got involved in this activity and how it has affected you.
- Do not submit your first draft. You need to leave time to rewrite and revise. Start early and leave plenty of time.
- Put away your thesaurus! If you have to use a dictionary (other than to check the spelling of a word), you are not going to write something that will convey your authentic voice.
- Finally, do your own essay. It’s certainly okay (and recommended, actually) to ask others like a parent, teacher or friend to read your essay and give you their comments and suggestions. It is not okay to submit someone else’s work as your own. Plagiarism is cause to deny your application on the spot.
