Most universities and colleges put a lot of importance on college application essays in their process of admissions. Even the best student can make a less than good impression with a poorly written essay.
It could even cause an otherwise excellent student to be rejected. On the other hand, an excellent essay can help even a marginal student get in to the school of their choice.
Here are some tips for writing a great school application essay:
Don't write "a list"
It is actually a mistake to try to include all of your extracurricular activities on your application essay. These types of essays are boring for the reader and are nothing more than a list. Save your list of accomplishments for other parts of the college application where these are expected.
The best school application essays tell the story of you. Your finished writing needs to show the reader your passion and personality. Your awards and activities are important but in the essay they want to get to know you. Let them see your heart, your maturity and use good details.
Don't be afraid to laugh
While you certainly don't want to appear as immature, you also don't want your application essay to be too serious. It's a tricky balance but try to lighten it up a little with some humor. Make sure that your humor is tasteful though, bad jokes or politically incorrect puns will quickly send your essay to the reject pile. Make sure that you humor doesn't outweigh your substance.
A thoughtful answer to the essay prompt is what is expected. If you can bring a smile, or a tear to the readers face, that is an added bonus. Make sure that you are writing according to the prompt, otherwise it will appear that you cannot follow simple instructions.
Keep your tone in check
The tone of college application essays are very important. This is a tough thing to get right. If you spend the whole essay talking about all your great accomplishments you can sound like you are bragging. On the other hand you don't want to write a bunch of excuses for your low scores or injustices you feel you have faced. Try to balance your achievements with the right attitude toward yourself and others.
Let them see who you are
Most colleges and universities are looking for students with good character. Your grades are important but they also want to know how you contribute to the community. There are two places on the college application forms that you can reveal your true character to the reader.
The essay and your list of extracurricular activities. The essay is the place where your character can shine through. It gives you the opportunity to put in your own words, your personality, strengths and even your weaknesses.
Grammar is important
Turning in a college applications essay with improper English and grammatical errors can cause you to end up being rejected. Punctuation errors and misspelled words are frustrating for the reader and show a lack of detail and poor writing skills. If you turn in an essay with excessive grammar errors it appears to the reader that you are not taking it seriously. If you struggle with English and grammar have someone look over your work and help you to make any corrections needed.
When it's time to write your college application essays remember these tips for fantastic results!
| :. :. :. :. :. |
College Application College Application Forms College Application Essays College Admission Letter College Admission Test |
|
Which School Is Best For You!
|
