How should I be writing my essays for when I apply for college?

I have learned that writing as you speak is a powerful style. High school and colleges don't really teach this style, but I
feel good writers find their own voice. This comes by creating writing assignments for yourself. Before I published my first book, I wrote 60 articles on Helium because I knew my writing needed work, still does. There is always room for improvement on your writing. My answer to your question, just write! All day, all night, different topics, those topics you do and don't understand.

Eventually, I can't give you a timetable, you will sense a shift, a change in your writing. It will give you the confidence to write to anyone about anything.

Keep in mind that the recruiters have to read hundreds, if not thousands of these essays. Pick the subject carefully. Research it. Take notes. Write a clear, concise summary of the subject using good, appropriate, but not over-the-top vocabulary. Your sentences should be carefully crafted and not too wordy. They should vary in length, but too many commas and flowery descriptions will give a signal that you are padding your subject.

I write a newspaper column and am limited to so many words. If the college tells you the word limit, do NOT exceed it.

Finally, make sure your essay is PERFECT. No spelling errors. No grammatical errors. No dangling participles. Have your English teacher review it. If you have doubts about a sentence or paragraph, shorten it or re-write it.

Good luck.

Vern Turner

Keep me informed of your progress.