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What are collages looking for in college essays?
college essay tips
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Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
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Alan’s Answer
Joanna, there's no formula you can or should follow. I think that among the things colleges are looking for are:
Sincerity. Do you come across as a believable person who knows herself?
Potential: Do you show, through your skills, experiences, aspirations and personal qualities, someone whom they would like to be a part of their community and in whom they see potential for further growth?
Writing skills: For this, and for college in general, you'd have to work on spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, organization and clarity. Edit and reedit, and then have someone else look it over. Start with something that grabs some attention about who you are, what you've been through, what you aspire to, etc. Have fun with it, so it will be enjoyable for others to read.
Experiences and achievements: Without being boastful, mention those things you've done that highlight the best in you and show you to be a well-rounded person.
Obstacles you've overcome: Without turning your essay into a made for television movie, be honest about things you've successfully overcome, to show your persistence and strength, because there will be others.
Sincerity. Do you come across as a believable person who knows herself?
Potential: Do you show, through your skills, experiences, aspirations and personal qualities, someone whom they would like to be a part of their community and in whom they see potential for further growth?
Writing skills: For this, and for college in general, you'd have to work on spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, organization and clarity. Edit and reedit, and then have someone else look it over. Start with something that grabs some attention about who you are, what you've been through, what you aspire to, etc. Have fun with it, so it will be enjoyable for others to read.
Experiences and achievements: Without being boastful, mention those things you've done that highlight the best in you and show you to be a well-rounded person.
Obstacles you've overcome: Without turning your essay into a made for television movie, be honest about things you've successfully overcome, to show your persistence and strength, because there will be others.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Joanna,
Absolutely, I'd love to lend a hand!
When it comes to college essays, colleges are on the lookout for a mix of elements. Here are some crucial pointers to bear in mind:
Distinctiveness: Admission panels read a plethora of essays each year, so they're on the hunt for something that makes your essay stand out. This could be a unique viewpoint, a personal story, or a novel approach to a familiar subject.
Enthusiasm: Your essay should reflect your excitement for the college or course you're applying to. This could be illustrated through a specific experience, a particular hobby, or a personal ambition.
Openness: Admission panels appreciate seeing your genuine self, so don't hesitate to share your trials and tribulations. This indicates that you're a real person who has encountered real-life hurdles.
Simplicity: Your essay should be well-crafted and straightforward. Steer clear of using overly intricate language or complex sentences.
Detail: Include specific examples and details to back up your points. This demonstrates that you have a thorough understanding of the subject and that you're not merely making broad statements.
Pertinence: Ensure your essay is pertinent to the college or course you're applying to. This could be through a specific class or program, or a particular aspect of the college's mission or values.
Attitude: Your essay should exude a positive and confident attitude. Avoid seeming arrogant or privileged, but rather show that you're thrilled about the chance to attend the college.
In terms of specific advice, here are a few pointers to remember:
Adopt a clear and succinct structure, such as beginning with a compelling introduction, providing supporting evidence, and concluding with a call to action.
Use active voice instead of passive voice to make your writing more dynamic.
Use specific and vivid language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.
Steer clear of clichés and overused phrases, like "I've always been a hard worker" or "I'm a team player."
Show, don't tell. Rather than saying "I'm a leader," describe a specific situation where you exhibited leadership.
To bolster your essay, here are three authoritative reference titles that might be useful:
“The Art of the College Essay” by Sarah Myers McGinty
“The College Essay: A Guide to Writing and Editing” by The Harbrace College Publishers
“The Essay Advantage: How to Write Your Way to Admission to the College of Your Choice” by Michael H. Schill and John W. S. Marburger
Remember, your college essay is a chance to highlight your unique viewpoint and experiences, so don't shy away from taking risks and being yourself. Best of luck!
May you be blessed abundantly!
James.
Absolutely, I'd love to lend a hand!
When it comes to college essays, colleges are on the lookout for a mix of elements. Here are some crucial pointers to bear in mind:
Distinctiveness: Admission panels read a plethora of essays each year, so they're on the hunt for something that makes your essay stand out. This could be a unique viewpoint, a personal story, or a novel approach to a familiar subject.
Enthusiasm: Your essay should reflect your excitement for the college or course you're applying to. This could be illustrated through a specific experience, a particular hobby, or a personal ambition.
Openness: Admission panels appreciate seeing your genuine self, so don't hesitate to share your trials and tribulations. This indicates that you're a real person who has encountered real-life hurdles.
Simplicity: Your essay should be well-crafted and straightforward. Steer clear of using overly intricate language or complex sentences.
Detail: Include specific examples and details to back up your points. This demonstrates that you have a thorough understanding of the subject and that you're not merely making broad statements.
Pertinence: Ensure your essay is pertinent to the college or course you're applying to. This could be through a specific class or program, or a particular aspect of the college's mission or values.
Attitude: Your essay should exude a positive and confident attitude. Avoid seeming arrogant or privileged, but rather show that you're thrilled about the chance to attend the college.
In terms of specific advice, here are a few pointers to remember:
Adopt a clear and succinct structure, such as beginning with a compelling introduction, providing supporting evidence, and concluding with a call to action.
Use active voice instead of passive voice to make your writing more dynamic.
Use specific and vivid language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.
Steer clear of clichés and overused phrases, like "I've always been a hard worker" or "I'm a team player."
Show, don't tell. Rather than saying "I'm a leader," describe a specific situation where you exhibited leadership.
To bolster your essay, here are three authoritative reference titles that might be useful:
“The Art of the College Essay” by Sarah Myers McGinty
“The College Essay: A Guide to Writing and Editing” by The Harbrace College Publishers
“The Essay Advantage: How to Write Your Way to Admission to the College of Your Choice” by Michael H. Schill and John W. S. Marburger
Remember, your college essay is a chance to highlight your unique viewpoint and experiences, so don't shy away from taking risks and being yourself. Best of luck!
May you be blessed abundantly!
James.
Updated
David’s Answer
Consider this when you apply to a university. They see your grades, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and list of extracurriculars. At this level, students are numbers and short descriptions, but it’s only through the college essay can universities and colleges get a sense of who you are.
Writing style: It’s here where they hear your voice, see your vocabulary, understand your organization, and understand how you speak about yourself. No one can tell the story of you better than you.
Topic: There are always cliches such as injuries, death, divorce, and disease people are fighting through. It’s hard to hear, but these are things they often see. And because they see it all the time, the story or narrative is predictable. You were hurt. You struggled. You rebounded. But can you tell us something that is different? Something outside of the box? Something engaging? Students sometimes misconstrue this essay as a trauma dump, and because of that, the essay suffers.
Self reflection: Consider how you went through school and had to do a deep character analysis on Gatsby, Scout, or Jonas. What motivated them? What was their character arc? What was their tragical flaw? What epiphany did they make? Students are trained on how to dissect characters, but put this lens onto yourself. In the years that you’ve lived, what is the biggest takeaway - the central theme of your life?
You cannot write about your entire life, but rather you are talking about how one small event or person represents who you are. Focus, be concise, let them hear you, and find your central theme. Best of luck.
Writing style: It’s here where they hear your voice, see your vocabulary, understand your organization, and understand how you speak about yourself. No one can tell the story of you better than you.
Topic: There are always cliches such as injuries, death, divorce, and disease people are fighting through. It’s hard to hear, but these are things they often see. And because they see it all the time, the story or narrative is predictable. You were hurt. You struggled. You rebounded. But can you tell us something that is different? Something outside of the box? Something engaging? Students sometimes misconstrue this essay as a trauma dump, and because of that, the essay suffers.
Self reflection: Consider how you went through school and had to do a deep character analysis on Gatsby, Scout, or Jonas. What motivated them? What was their character arc? What was their tragical flaw? What epiphany did they make? Students are trained on how to dissect characters, but put this lens onto yourself. In the years that you’ve lived, what is the biggest takeaway - the central theme of your life?
You cannot write about your entire life, but rather you are talking about how one small event or person represents who you are. Focus, be concise, let them hear you, and find your central theme. Best of luck.
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Joana,
One big tip I would have is to make sure that you answer the prompt. While it sound simple, people often make the mistake and forget to directly answer the prompt and spend time talking about things unrelated to answering the prompt. Another piece of advice I would give is to make sure that you focus on talking about yourself. Colleges want to learn about you and who you are as a person and these essay's are your chance to show that. Make sure you talk about the experiences which have deeply influenced you and what you've learned from them. Best of luck to you!
One big tip I would have is to make sure that you answer the prompt. While it sound simple, people often make the mistake and forget to directly answer the prompt and spend time talking about things unrelated to answering the prompt. Another piece of advice I would give is to make sure that you focus on talking about yourself. Colleges want to learn about you and who you are as a person and these essay's are your chance to show that. Make sure you talk about the experiences which have deeply influenced you and what you've learned from them. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Usually sincerity and a clear declaration of what it is you want to pursue. College essays are how you introduce yourself. A good starting point is showing what was high-school like and any accomplishments that your proud of. After that you can go in depth as to what you aim to get from a degree and what inspires you to go into your field. Don't be afraid to get passionate when describing your dreams and aspirations, you want to show the college that you're serious about your goals. It goes without saying that grammar and good essay structure need to be on point. Be sure to re-read and proofread. If you have someone to help with proofreading, go for it, a second set of eyes is always good.