Writing a college application is a critical step in your college application process. Experts at CollegeBoard think that a college application essay is a powerful tool for students to showcase their skills, personal strengths, and long-term aspirations.
Well-written, compelling essays often tip the balance in favor of their authors when they compete with other applicants with similar qualifications. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to invest a proper amount of time and energy in completing a high-quality application that will increase your chances of admission.
Read my recommendations below on how to write a college application essay to develop one that will get you into the desired college or university.
Know the score
Take time to read the instructions carefully. Do not assume that they are similar for every essay. Some colleges add specific instructions, which you need to consider when writing your essay. No matter how solid your essay is, it will not pass muster if it does not meet the expectations.
If you have ever used the services of Writing Universe, you’d know how much care professional writers take to follow the instructions consistently. They do so to meet the academic requirements of your college. If unsure, they reach out to ensure they fully understand all the instructions.
Position yourself as a thinker
Adopt a writing style that projects the images of a thinker rather than just a storyteller. Instead of giving a rundown of chronological facts or achievements, explain how they have changed you or led you to advance your skills. Demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Follow best practices in essay writing
There is no harm in using a standard, three-part structure to organize your essay. Start with a compelling introduction, follow up with the main body breaking down the introductory statement into smaller pieces, and end with a reinforcing conclusion.
If you have a central message, a key takeaway for the reader, tell it in the introduction, break it down in the main body, and tell it again in the conclusion for overall coherence.
Don’t be lax with errors
Even if you come up with a super impressive essay, it won’t fit the bill if it is full of spelling and grammatical errors. Edit and proofread it many times. Sleep on it. Take an overnight break and give it the once-over in the morning to clean up any residual inconsistencies and bloopers.
If you do not devote sufficient time to editing and proofreading, you risk missing your goal. Writing a great supplemental college application demands attention to detail. Don’t allow yourself to fail due to avoidable errors.
Be original
Engage the reader from the get-go. Start with an engaging, attention-grabbing introduction. Sustain the reader’s interest by using stylistic devices to make it a riveting read. Avoid clichés and truisms, as they never add much value to your story.
Pulling It Off
Writing your college application essay is a challenging task. You have a word limit and a few minutes of your reader’s attention to come up with a substantive, engaging piece. Make every effort to make it original, insightful, and error-free to beat the competition. Follow my tips for a killer essay that the evaluators will find impossible to play down or ignore.
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Barbara Fielder has a proven track record in providing student support services. Her tips have helped thousands of students make prudent and practical decisions about their college applications. Student reviews have given top ratings to Barbara’s evidence-based and accurate articles and blogs with useful recommendations and deep insights.
