A good essay can help you get into the college of your choice.
There is more competition to get into college each and every year. Most colleges require some type of admissions essay, and students often pay coaches to help them write the perfect one. There are many approaches to writing that all-important essay, but following a few basic tips--that many students ignore--can ensure your effort is topnotch.
Avoid Cliches
Avoiding cliches means more than not using certain language and phrases. There are so many coaching programs for writing a good admissions essay that even formats have become cliche. Thousands of students open with a basic factual introduction, write a second paragraph of achievements, a third paragraph about extracurricular activities then a paragraph about how perfect the school is. Avoid this format and take a different approach. Start out with a brief story about an event that touched your life, or a few lines that contemplate your hopes or sense of purpose. Finding a creative way to tell your story can make you standout and showcase your strengths. Think outside the box and make a lasting impression.
What Stands Out?
With any admissions essay you will want to mention your most impressive extracurricular activities, GPA, or sports participation. However, don't create a large list; most applicants will have similar attributes. Your application will include a resume and list of accomplishments, so don't waste precious essay space repeating yourself when you can be showing off your writing skill. Instead, think of a unusual experience you can discuss. Did you bike across the state? Take a Spanish Club trip to Mexico? Start your own freelance writing career? Find the things that make you stand out and use the admissions essay to let administrators get to know you.
Proof, Proof, and Proof Again
While proofreading can seem boring and tedious, it only takes one misspelling to leave a poor impression. Errors don't speak well for you or your desire to attend school there. Writing skills are critical for college, so proofreading for grammar, clarity of thought, punctuation and spelling is only going to make your application look that much better. Get someone else (like your English teacher) to proofread it as well. Every time you go through your work to edit, proofread and improve it, you are increasing your chances of creating a great admissions essay that can help get you into the college of your dreams.
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