Tips for Writing the Common Essay (or Any Others)
Your grades, your transcript and your work ethic are all part of the big picture when you’re applying for admission to the top universities and colleges – but there’s probably nothing more anxiety-producing than the dreaded application essay.
The Common App has already opened for the year, and it has provided a full list of essay prompts that students can use. Whether you’re already through your first (or second) draft or you’re just getting started, it helps to keep a few helpful pointers in mind:
Understand the Purpose of the Essay
No matter how exemplary, a transcript is pretty impersonal. The essay lets the college admissions board hear directly from you – in your own voice.
This gives you a chance to show the board who you really are, what you really value, how deep your interests run and what sort of creativity and personality you’ll bring to the campus. When you pick a topic, make sure that you pick something that actually resonates with you.
Use Your Own Voice for Authenticity
Your essay needs to be unique – so don’t go into the essay thinking that you need to sound stiff and formal. You want to sound natural and enthusiastic about your topic, not like you’re writing for a textbook.
Skip the thesaurus and don’t use words that sound “inflated.” When you’ve finished your first draft, try reading your piece out loud to see if it has a natural rhythm and flow and doesn’t sound forced. It should sound roughly like you’re talking directly to the reader and telling your story in an authentic, honest way.
Know the Value of a Good Introduction
These essays are going to be rolling into your school of choice by the thousands, so how do you make yours stand out from the crowd? Every writer knows that the trick to grabbing a reader’s attention is to have a strong opening.
Just as you only have a few seconds to make a good first impression on someone in person, you only have a few sentences to make a good impression on a reader. Make your opening words count.
Don’t Overlook the Power of a Strong Conclusion
Have you ever been let down by the ending of a movie? Then you know how an admissions officer may feel when an essay starts strong but fizzles out by the end.
Because the typical college admissions essay is about 500 words, the piece isn’t long enough to allow for repetition. Make sure that your message at the end is straightforward, clear and isn’t a rehash of something you’ve already said. Aim for a conclusion that ties into your future goals.
Let an Essay Sit Before You Revise
Even the best essays need some revisions. While you don’t have a lot of time to let an essay sit before you revise it, a few days can give you a fresh perspective and some invaluable insights. Put the essay away for a day or two — then pick up your red pen and start to edit.
Don’t forget that you can access invaluable guidance from college admissions counselors that can help you proofread, edit and look for new ways to make your essay engaging.
