Top 10 Tips For College Admissions Essays

Top 10 Tips For College Admissions Essays You can also ask someone else to proofread your essay for you. Asking a teacher, parent, or older sibling is probably the best way to go, since they might be more familiar with what's expected from college admissions essays. College can be difficult, and one thing that admissions officers might be looking for is evidence that you've overcome obstacles and been able to work through hard situations. Your admission essay lets you personalize your application. To see if your voice and your personality are really on that piece of paper. Are you in that essay or does it just sound like it could be anyone else? When you read it yourself and actually hear your words, you are more inclined to identify areas where your writing doesn’t flow well or where you start to stray from your message. Or that your school has a focus on community and diversity? Picking a college is one of the biggest commitments that you’ll make in your life, and it’s important that the one you pick aligns with who you are and what you believe. Many students have volunteered in various ways, even in other countries. So, I always suggest to them that they start early, but that also, they take their time. Do have a teacher, counselor, parent or friend with strong writing skills proofread your essay. Do write as many drafts of your essay as it takes to make it shine brightly. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing. Don’t be overly influenced by others’ ideas or essays other people have written. Don’t let anyone else write any part of your essay. DON’T tell the reader what they already know about you. Instead, tell them what they should know about you. The following week, write the body of the paper, or even start over if the opening paragraph just doesn’t work for them. After writing the rough draft, let the essay sit for a week or so, and then go back to polish it. Why is it important to you that your professors are personable and care about you and your future? The essay is where the college can discover what makes this particular student unique and interesting. Sadly, many students tear their ACL each sports season and then have to rehab it. Before you start writing, DO look at what the question is asking for and prepare yourself to respond appropriately. When you are thinking about your answer, ask yourself repeatedly if you are answering what the question is asking for. Nobody is going to learn anything of value from you if you fill your essay with complaints, excuses and self-loathing. One thing you absolutely should DO is read your essay out loud to yourself. What do you like about the school and why does it matter to you? For example, Southeastern University’s Christ-centered focus on academics is perfect for students that are looking for a quality education that has a Christian foundation. There are a number of things that you could love about the school you’re applying for. It could be an incredible program of study for the major of your choice, quality athletic teams, or even community-oriented campus life. Do let your unique voice and personality come through in your writing. If they start in late June, they’ve got plenty of time to get it done before school starts, without dedicating their entire summer to writing. Instead, break the essay into parts â€" brainstorm topics one week, write an opening paragraph the next week.