1. College Entrance Essays
Tips for Success

2. Where to begin… Find out if your college requires an entrance essay.
Read the directions carefully and repeatedly.
Brainstorm ideas
Outline your essay for organization.

3. What are they looking for?
It depends - you have to really read the prompt to know where to direct your writing. There are two things all writers should identify before they begin writing:
Who is my audience?
What is my purpose?

4. Dos Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Double-dip – use a previously written essay.
Explain weaknesses in a positive light.
Explain goals.
Discuss what makes you unique.
Write in narrative/story style.
Include one, even if the college does not require it.

5. Don’ts Don’t write longer than what is recommended.
Don’t wait until the last minute!
Don’t turn in a first draft.
Don’t get off prompt.
Don’t use inappropriate language (remember your audience).
Don’t ignore your weaknesses.
Don’t plagiarize!!! They have databases too! Give credit where credit is due.

6. Prompts
The following are prompts you may choose from to write for your “practice” college essay. These have been modified from the Common App website (thanks, Emma)
Some students have a background or identity that is so meaningful, they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Share your story.
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make this decision again?
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture.
A person’s culture shapes who that person is. Write about a time when your culture shaped who you are today. You may consider religion, race, ethnicity, or gender to define culture.
OR – pick a prompt that you have found from your desired future college that relates to culture.

7. Requirements Proper University heading Proper return address
Proper salutation
1 pg single spaced/typed/Times New Roman
Addresses a prompt
Writing process was followed
Proper closing (sincerely etc)
Signed in blue/black ink

8. Example: College University Admissions 1111 College University
Anytown, State 1234
Fresh Manstudent
2222 Mainstreet Avenue
Mill Creek, WA 98208
To the Admissions Department of College University:
Intro
Body
Conclusion
Respectfully,