College Essay Writing

Things to Remember Make sure your essay is easily understood. Get your point across without unnecessary words. Your essay should be clear and direct. Get to the point in three pages. Don’t be long –winded and boring. Proofread your essay from beginning to end, and proofread it again. No matter the prompt, make sure that most of the essay reflects your personal character, beliefs, and values. You are the one applying to college, not someone else.

Topics that Work Admission officers like to read about your curiosity, passion and persistence. Write about an experience or interaction that led you to a particular value or interaction. Write about personal struggles/triumphs and epiphanies. These can be the result of a community service project, mission trip or an international experience.

Topics that Don’t Work Essays that include sex, drugs (especially your drug use), and violent events in which you participated Rehashing extracurricular activities that you have already listed on your application Swearing is a no no!

Essay Prompts from Apply Texas  Topic A- Describe a setting in which you have collaborated or interacted with people whose experiences and/or beliefs differ from yours. Address your initial feelings, and how those feelings were or were not changed by this experience.  Topic B- Describe a circumstance, obstacle or conflict in your life, and the skills and resources you used to resolve it. Did it change you? If so, how?  Topic C- Considering your lifetime goals, discuss how your current and future academic and extra-curricular activities might help you achieve your goals.

Essay Prompts from the Common Application  Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.  Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?  Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?  Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?  Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit From ACT " What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially) during their first year? How big are the classes? (Ask students) How easy is it to meet with faculty? (Ask students) Are you able to register for the classes you want? What is the total cost of attending the college? What types of financial aid does the college offer and how do I apply? Are all freshmen assigned to an academic advisor?

Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit From ACT " Where do most freshmen live? Can I take a tour? What activities are available for students? Who teaches the courses for first-year students? How successful are the college's graduates in finding jobs? What services (such as transportation and shopping) are available locally? What is there to do on weekends? Do most students stay or leave campus on weekends? ­

Recommendation Letters  Choose teachers who know what you can do  Give your counselors and teachers the courtesy of time  Talk with your recommender about why college is important to you  Share a brief resume of your activities and achievements  Provide a list of your application deadlines and the appropriate forms