College Essay Writing Tips
Writing an application essay is no easy feat. It takes time and hard work, but it’s well worth the effort. A good essay will compliment your application and set you apart from other applicants.
Before you get started, read the list of do’s and don’ts shown below.
Do’s
Do start with a good plan. Come up with an idea, theme, or focus before you start writing.
Do create an outline. This will help keep your essay organized.
Do use real-life or well-researched examples to support your theme.
Do start your essay with an interest-grabbing sentence, paragraph, statement, question, quote, or anecdote.
Do come up with a good ending that works with the rest of the essay.
Do read your essay aloud as you write it.
Do proofread very carefully and do it at least three times.
Do have someone else critique your essay. Choose someone who will be brutally honest. (In other words, don’t choose someone who loves you.)
Don’ts
Don’t start your essay with something boring like “I was born…” or “My name is…”
Don’t write an autobiography or resume that has been disguised in prose format.
Don’t think you can get away with using your first draft. You can’t. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
Don’t be afraid to throw out your work and start fresh. Some ideas just weren’t meant to be.
Don’t use your essay to explain your SAT scores, GPA, etc.
Don’t use wishy-washy clichés, i.e. from the bottom of my heart, more than life itself, etc. Be creative and original.
Don’t ever completely rely on your computer for spell checking. Your computer does not know the difference between it and if, fried or friend, etc.
Don’t use a fancy font or colored paper. Your essay should be neatly typed and easy to read.
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