College Essay Tips
Take a moment to read through some of our tips to help get the creative juices flowing. Just click on the rectangles to toggle the different sets of information.
- A winning topic. The topic must engage the admissions officers and reveal the student.
- Self-revelation. The essay lets the readers know something important and memorable about the applicant.
- Originality. The writer should tell a story in his or her voice that only he or she could share; that makes for an original essay.
- Captivating opening. The reader should have a vivid picture of who the writer is by the close of the first paragraph.
- An element of surprise. Readers like to be surprised.
- Time reference. Just how long have you been involved with what you’re writing about?
- Effective expression. Varied sentence structure, correct grammar, vivid word choice, and details engage and satisfy the reader.
- Direction and Pace. The essay should have pace and build to a satisfying close.
- A powerful close. The final paragraph should not only conclude the story, but it should make the reader say, “Now that’s a great individual.”
- Individuality. Did you stand out by being yourself?
- Be yourself, don’t reinvent yourself
- Write the essay that only you could write
- Put your best foot forward
- Find your voice
- Write about what you feel strongly about
- Strive for depth not breadth – shoot for 500 words maximum
- Once you know what you want to say, writing the essay is a breeze – it’s only 500 words.
- Make your readers think, “We gotta have this kid on campus.”
- Consider what you value and treasure
- Sit around and think for awhile
- Make it fun or serious but give it a personality
- Don’t try to second-guess the admissions officer
- Make it vivid & engaging
- Make it eye-opening
- Keep it smart and to the point
- Write at least three drafts
- Ask yourself why and how as you write
- The focus of the essay is you – your achievements, your goals, your values
- Essay should be memorable
- Tell us something your application doesn’t
- Honest autobiography trumps style
- Grammar, syntax, spelling, word choice count. It’s an opportunity to wow admissions