How To Nail The Essay

The essay section of a regular exam is usually the part that most people dread. In most cases, you're being asked to answer a question about something you learned in class in essay form.

Bleh.

The essay section of a college application is different. The schools want to know about you. Here is an opportunity to really show them what you are all about, your writing skills, and what makes you a good fit for the school.

The common application will ask for between 500 and 650 words for the essay section. There is no penalty for going over, but keep in mind that the reader(s) might stop reading if you go too long here.

Read The Prompts And Go For It

Make sure to carefully read what the essay question is asking for. Make sure that is being addressed, while sharing as much about you as possible. The main idea is to share what is important to you and WHY it is important to you.

The why part is usually the most overlooked and least developed part of these essays. Be certain that you are diving into the WHY as much as possible. After talking with various college placement counselors, students usually don't get too deep here. You want to stand out to the school, so go for it here. You want them to feel your passion and energy.

Real Life Wins

If possible, write from experience. Ideally, what you are passionate about and your why is something that you have lived and experienced.

For example, I can write about how passionate I am about climbing Mount Everest. I have never climbed a mountain, and I can be passionate about it, but this topic likely won't make as big an impact as something that I have direct experience with.

Start Early

This is something that you don't want to start the night before it's due.

Start early. Sleep on it. Revise. Chop it up. Mark it up. You'll be amazed at how it evolves over time.

Print It Out

Ever notice how there are so many more mistakes in your writing when you read it off of paper? The computer monitor can be deceiving. Print out your essay. Walk around your room/home. And here's the big one - read it to yourself ALOUD. With your voice. Like you are speaking to a crowd. It's amazing how the words feel different when they are spoken in your voice. You will know when it reads the way you want it to come across.

The Reader Will Thank You

Imagine having to read a pile of essays. The readers are well qualified but these are people that you have never met. Put yourself in their shoes. Stay genuine, and be mindful that this is a lot of reading for someone. Write with that in mind - whatever that means to you and what you want to communicate.

Proofing

Have someone proofread and critique your essay. Ask them to be brutally honest. If you have access to a teacher or counselor with a critical eye for grammar and composition then that is ideal. Also ideal is someone who isn't afraid to call you out if they feel you aren't sharing enough in your words.

And if you can get multiple people to proofread then all the better.

The essay portion is your opportunity to shine and show who you are. Get them excited that you want to attend their school. Be genuine, dive deep into the why, and have fun with it!

Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Please share.