College Admission Essays

 

In many cases it is the quality of college admission essays that can shift the balance of the scales to the favor of applicants attempting to enroll into college.  There are particular points that you should divert your attention to when endeavoring to write an acceptable and outstanding admissions essay. 

The first point you need to consider is that your essay needs to be a cut above the rest.  If the content and style of your essay captures the attention of the reader, the balance is tipping in your favor.  In your diction, you should  be simple but grammatically correct.  Don’t use words that are not used in everyday conversation, but also avoid slang.

College admission essays should keep the reader interested.  Always speak in first person when possible.  Be consistent and brief—don’t confuse or bore the reader.  Set out to leave the reader with a good impression of you.  Use active rather than passive voice.  Talk about yourself, let the reader know who you are and what your grades are.  However, don’t sound as though you are boastful and self-conceited.  The reader can gather from your writing what your character is.

Great writing skills usually do not come naturally.  It may require a lot of hard work as far as researching and studying.  Learning the proper procedures for writing college admission essays will pay off in the long run—you will be glad you took the time.  Always be mindful of the fact that you are in competition with many other candidates applying for admissions into college.  Your essay should be unique rather than routine.  Speak of incidents and experiences that are exclusive to your life. 

Remember that the reader is not counting how many big words you can use in college admissions essays.  They are looking for your personality.  Put your heart and soul into your essay—give the reader a glimpse of what drives you.  Don’t be lengthy with your essay.  If your essay is not neat and grammatically correct, you will be perceived by the reader as careless, unorganized, and immature.  You will likely be perceived as not ready for the challenge of college life.

Colleges tend to have different rules when submitting college admission essays.  Some have specific rules you should ask about:

  • Should the essay be included on the application to college or must it be written on a separate sheet?
  • Should the essay not exceed a certain number of words?
  • Should the essay be typed or should it be handwritten?

Sell yourself to the reader or readers with your essay. This is your time to shine.  Since you are not there to do it yourself be certain that everything is in order for the first impression to be an enjoyable and memorable one through your college admission essays that you will probably be submitting to various schools.