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How do I make good college applications ?
How do I make a good college essay
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Katia’s Answer
Great question!
Here is my "recipe" for a great college app essay:
1) Self-Reflection: Before you start writing, take time to reflect on your life experiences, values, and what you want to convey to the admissions committee. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and moments that have shaped you.
2) Unique Story: Choose a specific and personal story or experience to focus on. This story should highlight a moment or aspect of your life that sets you apart from other applicants. This can also be a personal challenge that you have overcome. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Share your thoughts, emotions, and personal growth. Admissions committees appreciate genuine, honest and heartfelt essays.
3) Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear structure. Common structures include the narrative (storytelling) structure, the thematic structure (based on a central theme), or a combination of both. Be concise and focused on the central theme or message of your essay. Use concrete details, examples, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Specificity makes your essay more vivid and memorable.
4) Engaging Hook: Begin your essay with a captivating hook that grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading. This could be a question, a surprising statement, or a vivid description.
5) Personal Voice: Use your authentic voice. Avoid overly formal language or clichés. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through your writing. Don't use big words just to sound smart.
6) Show, Don't Tell: Instead of stating qualities or lessons directly, show them through storytelling and vivid descriptions. Allow the reader to draw conclusions about you from your experiences.
7) Theme or Message: Ensure that your essay conveys a clear theme or message. What do you want the admissions committee to remember about you after reading your essay?
Make sure to have a trusted advisor review your essay and get feedback before submitting! Avoid grammatical and spelling errors and make sure to have a few people review before submitting the final draft.
Best of luck!
Here is my "recipe" for a great college app essay:
1) Self-Reflection: Before you start writing, take time to reflect on your life experiences, values, and what you want to convey to the admissions committee. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and moments that have shaped you.
2) Unique Story: Choose a specific and personal story or experience to focus on. This story should highlight a moment or aspect of your life that sets you apart from other applicants. This can also be a personal challenge that you have overcome. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Share your thoughts, emotions, and personal growth. Admissions committees appreciate genuine, honest and heartfelt essays.
3) Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear structure. Common structures include the narrative (storytelling) structure, the thematic structure (based on a central theme), or a combination of both. Be concise and focused on the central theme or message of your essay. Use concrete details, examples, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Specificity makes your essay more vivid and memorable.
4) Engaging Hook: Begin your essay with a captivating hook that grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading. This could be a question, a surprising statement, or a vivid description.
5) Personal Voice: Use your authentic voice. Avoid overly formal language or clichés. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through your writing. Don't use big words just to sound smart.
6) Show, Don't Tell: Instead of stating qualities or lessons directly, show them through storytelling and vivid descriptions. Allow the reader to draw conclusions about you from your experiences.
7) Theme or Message: Ensure that your essay conveys a clear theme or message. What do you want the admissions committee to remember about you after reading your essay?
Make sure to have a trusted advisor review your essay and get feedback before submitting! Avoid grammatical and spelling errors and make sure to have a few people review before submitting the final draft.
Best of luck!
Updated
Adeel’s Answer
Hi Karol. I'm not a college counselor so you may want to get additional validation.
In essence, to me a good college application talks about you as a person, and what you have achieved with the opportunities presented to you and what you hope to achieve with the educational opportunity. If you've had a challenge in your life to overcome, then how did you overcome it and how has that experience helped you grow? Think about how to showcase your ability to be able to persevere through a 4 year college! Now, you may be thinking I really didn't have to overcome anything....well, we're all individuals and maybe your path hasn't been very rocky so you may talk about how you've made the best of that smooth path.
Writing your essay isn't going to be easy. It's going to take a lot of deep thought. Give yourself enough time; think about who you are, how you got to where you are, what conscious decisions/steps have you taken to get to this place and more importantly what you can become with the help of that education. Start with that. You'll likely go through a bunch of re-writes.
Wish you the best.
In essence, to me a good college application talks about you as a person, and what you have achieved with the opportunities presented to you and what you hope to achieve with the educational opportunity. If you've had a challenge in your life to overcome, then how did you overcome it and how has that experience helped you grow? Think about how to showcase your ability to be able to persevere through a 4 year college! Now, you may be thinking I really didn't have to overcome anything....well, we're all individuals and maybe your path hasn't been very rocky so you may talk about how you've made the best of that smooth path.
Writing your essay isn't going to be easy. It's going to take a lot of deep thought. Give yourself enough time; think about who you are, how you got to where you are, what conscious decisions/steps have you taken to get to this place and more importantly what you can become with the help of that education. Start with that. You'll likely go through a bunch of re-writes.
Wish you the best.
Updated
Laaibah’s Answer
Dear Karol,
I trust that your journey in finding the perfect college is progressing smoothly. Crafting an exceptional college essay is an essential part of this adventure. Initially, check if there are any specific prompts you need to address in your essay. If there aren't, feel free to delve into your personal and academic journey. The more the college understands your potential as a student and your academic achievements, the more they will be intrigued by your application.
Don't hesitate to highlight your athletic accomplishments as well. Integrating this aspect of your life into your academic narrative can provide a unique perspective. It shows colleges your ability to balance academic rigor with other pursuits, demonstrating your resilience and adaptability. Remember, your essay is a chance to showcase your multifaceted personality, so make it count!
I trust that your journey in finding the perfect college is progressing smoothly. Crafting an exceptional college essay is an essential part of this adventure. Initially, check if there are any specific prompts you need to address in your essay. If there aren't, feel free to delve into your personal and academic journey. The more the college understands your potential as a student and your academic achievements, the more they will be intrigued by your application.
Don't hesitate to highlight your athletic accomplishments as well. Integrating this aspect of your life into your academic narrative can provide a unique perspective. It shows colleges your ability to balance academic rigor with other pursuits, demonstrating your resilience and adaptability. Remember, your essay is a chance to showcase your multifaceted personality, so make it count!
Updated
MD Rabbi Hossain’s Answer
Hello Karol,
I trust this information will be beneficial to you. Crafting an impressive college application requires a few special ingredients that can give you an edge. Naturally, high grades are crucial. However, there are other aspects that can significantly enhance your application.
Start by visiting the website of the college you're interested in to understand their specific requirements. It's always a good idea to display talents that extend beyond academics. Including evidence of your leadership abilities and other skills can make you a more appealing candidate.
Be sure to organize your information neatly and consider getting involved with various clubs and volunteer organizations. Participating in competitions can also be a great way to stand out. These activities can provide you with that extra advantage you need.
I trust this information will be beneficial to you. Crafting an impressive college application requires a few special ingredients that can give you an edge. Naturally, high grades are crucial. However, there are other aspects that can significantly enhance your application.
Start by visiting the website of the college you're interested in to understand their specific requirements. It's always a good idea to display talents that extend beyond academics. Including evidence of your leadership abilities and other skills can make you a more appealing candidate.
Be sure to organize your information neatly and consider getting involved with various clubs and volunteer organizations. Participating in competitions can also be a great way to stand out. These activities can provide you with that extra advantage you need.
Updated
Khushboo’s Answer
Hi Karol,
A great college essay and application really highlight who you are. The admissions team wants to learn more about you, your ambitions, and how their college can help you reach those goals. Be authentic, share your story, and reflect on your journey!
Good luck!
A great college essay and application really highlight who you are. The admissions team wants to learn more about you, your ambitions, and how their college can help you reach those goals. Be authentic, share your story, and reflect on your journey!
Good luck!