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Jul 16, 2020 · Whether it’s a supplemental essay, personal statement, Common App essay, or diversity essay, the essays below can help you better understand what can result from following a college essay format or applying tips for how to write a college essay to help you get into your dream school.
- How to Write a College Essay
Step 1: On a blank sheet of paper, make a list of five or...
- Common App Essay
Just in case, for context: The Common App is a college...
- The Great College Essay Test
In this blog, learn how to write a great college essay,...
- College Essay Tips
Learn how to tell a story that is personal, unique, and...
- How to Write a College Essay
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- Analysis of The Scrapbook Essay (OR) Five Things We Can Steal from This Essay
- Use Objects and Images Instead of Adjectives
- Engage The Reader’s Imagination Using All Five Senses
- The Set-Up Should Be Super Clear
- Show Then Tell
- Provide Insight
- Trim The Fat.
- Split Long Sentences with Complex Ideas Into Two.
A great thinker once said “Good artists borrow; great artists steal.” I’m not even going to tell you who said it; I’m stealing it.
Check out the opening paragraph of the Scrapbook essay again. It reads like the opening to a movie. Can you visualize what’s happening? That’s good. Take a look at the particular objects the writer chose: Let’s zoom in on the “faded Levi’s.” What does "faded" suggest? (She keeps clothes for a long time; she likes to be comfortable.) What does "Levi...
This writer did. Did you notice? 1. Fireplace (feel) 2. Brother’s hot cocoa (taste, smell) 3. Pitter patter of rain (sound) 4. Biggest photograph (sight) And there’s something else she did that’s really smart. Did you notice how clearly she set up the idea of the scrapbook at the beginning of the essay? Look at the last sentence of the second parag...
Even a personal statementcan have a thesis. It’s important to remember that, though your ending can be somewhat ambiguous—something we’ll discuss more later—your set-up should give the reader a clear sense of where we’re headed. It doesn’t have to be obvious, and you can delay the thesis for a paragraph or two (as this writer does), but at some poi...
Has your English teacher ever told you “Show, don’t tell?” That’s good advice, but for a college essayI believe it’s actually better to show THEN tell. Why? Two reasons: 1.) Showing before telling gives your reader a chance to interpret the meaning of your images before you do. Why is this good? It provides a little suspense. Also, it engages the r...
What is insight? In simple terms, it’s a deeper intuitive understanding of a person or thing. But here’s a more useful definition for your college essay: Insight is something that you’ve noticed about the world that others may have missed. Insight answers the question: So what? It's proof that you’re a close observer of the world. That you’re sens...
Here’s a 40-word sentence. Can you cut it in half without changing the meaning? Wait, actually try cutting this (in your mind) before scrolling down. See how concise you can get it. (No, really.) Okay, here’s one way to revise it: There. Half the words and retains the meaning.
This may sound contrary to the first point but it ain’t. Why? Sometimes we’re just trying to pack too much into the same sentence. Check this one out: That’s a lot for one sentence, eh? This sentence is what I’d call “top heavy.” It has a lot of important information in the first half–so much, in fact, that I need a break before I can take in the b...
Jul 10, 2023 · An applicant should also flex some intellectual muscle and include vivid details or anecdotes. From brainstorming essay topics to editing the final draft, here's what students need to know about...
Mar 28, 2024 · Prospective students wondering how to write a college essay can use this helpful guide to explore common prompts, tips on structuring effective writing and what makes a good college...
- Matt Whittle
- Start your essay with a “hook” to grab readers’ attention. Aim for a concise introduction that evokes vivid imagery or raises questions you will an...
- When formatting your college essay, consider your submission method. If the school provides a text box, refrain from using bolded, underlined or it...
- A strong college essay captivates the reader with an interesting premise and offers insight into what makes you a unique applicant. Strong college...
- Be Authentic. More than any other consideration, you should choose a topic or point of view that is consistent with who you truly are. Readers can sense when writers are inauthentic.
- Grab the Reader From the Start. You’ll be competing with so many other applicants for an admission officer’s attention. Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination.
- Focus on Deeper Themes. Some essay writers think they will impress committees by loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, like wins in sports or descriptions of volunteer work.
- Show Don’t Tell. As you expand on whatever theme you’ve decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don’t tell. The most engaging writing “shows” by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities.
Home. Apply to College. Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay. Tips for writing an effective college essay. College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.
Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.