College Application Essays

College application essays are a way to explain who you are and show your personality, talents and vision to the admissions committee. The college application essay may only be 500-words, but your words can impact their decision. It is the only part of the application process that you have full control of, and it is your chance to stand out among the many applicants to the admissions committee.

Brainstorm a Topic Idea

The goal of brainstorming is the development of ideas. Make a list of your outstanding traits and characteristics. See if any of the questions below help with developing several ideas.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What are your major accomplishments?
• Does any particular attribute, quality or skill distinguish you from everyone else?
• Consider your favorite books, movies, works of art, etc. Why are these your favorite?
• When was the most difficult time in your life and why?
• What are your dreams of the future?

Having completed brainstorming, you should now have a rough idea of the elements you wish to include in your college application essay - including your goals, important life experiences, research experience, nonacademic accomplishments, etc. You should also now have an idea of what impression you want to make on the admission committee.

Write

There is no one correct way to write an essay. However, take a look at our list of tips that will be useful when writing your college application essay.

Writing Tips:

1. Be original.
2. Be yourself. Admission officers want to learn about you and your writing ability.
3. Use appropriate words. Big words don't necessarily make good essays. If used, make sure they are used in the appropriate contexts.
4. Use imagery and clear, vivid prose.
5. Spend most of your time on your introduction. You want to grab their attention and make them want to read more.
6. Body paragraphs must relate and support your introduction.
7. Use transition within paragraphs and especially between paragraphs to keep the logical flow of your essay.
8. Conclusions are critical. This is your last impression.
9. Take a break. Spend a week or so away from your draft to decide if you still consider your topic and approach worthwhile.
10. Give your drafts to others. Get their opinion and critiques.