Write a Winning College Admissions Essay

The college admissions essay is a crucial piece when seeking higher education, whether is an Ivy League school, regular four-year, state, etc. As a major part of a student’s college application, many admissions officers will look at the essays as mediums in judging prospective candidates for their schools. As a result, many applicants will find it necessary to perfect their essays to improve their chances of gaining admission into their dream schools. Hopefully, this will help you to further your path to a successful and bright future.

In the college admissions process, officers will look for a student’s grades, extracurricular activities, community involvement. Many colleges place weight on alumni interviews as well. However, in the absence of such interviews, colleges will rely on the applicant’s essay to determine whether or not the student would be a good fit for the school. When writing the essay, one should make sure to come off as genuine and be sure to invoke your “voice”, as the colleges will be looking for you to showcase your writing skills.

Steps in writing a college essay:

1. Determine the nature of your topic: Most students tend to lean towards predicatability, meaning that colleges will not be suprised to read similar essays over and over again. To avoid this (which will benefit you), try creating a piece that is unique and interesting, while showcasing who and what you are. Be careful when crafting the essay; you do not want to come off as someone you are not, so be genuine and honest. Take your time and brainstorm, this essay deserves all the time you can offer! This is your future! Keep in mind to stay on topic, focus on a conflict, and add a resolution. When writing the essay, do not worry about grammatical errors! Keep in the flow, let the words come out, try not to interrupt your train of thought! You can fix errors later on!

2. Find your perspective: Choose the past, present, for the future. Many students tend to lean toward the past, but there is no advantage in using different time periods. In a narration, be sure to keep the same vantage point throught out the essay, whether it is first, second, or third person. Do not confuse the reader!

3. Edit your first draft. This will hopefully be the first drafts of many! Check for grammar, main idea, focus, and resolution. Did you stay on topic? Did you get down everything you wanted to say? Do you think you conveyed yourself the way you wished to be?

Ask people to peer read and edit your essay as well. Be sure to ask impartial parties, as they will be the most likely to give you honest and meaningful feedback. But it’s okay to ask family and friends as well! You need all the feedback and help you can get!

4. Highly recommended: create a second draft. After consulting and revising, create a second draft. Cut out extra details, strengthen your topic, and your literary voice will come through.  

5. Third time’s the charm: Create a third draft. Hopefully by now, your writing will express your individuality. Read your piece for rhythm and fluency. Edit and make necessary changes.   

6. A fourth draft and so on… A perfect essay needs the necessary time to craft! Hopefully, you have not procrastinated and you still have time to spare. Take as many drafts as you need, but set a limit for yourself not out of laziness, but to prevent doubt and panic-based whims. 

7. Final revision. The final draft. Send it in!

You put your best foot forward, you’ve done all that you could. Now it’s time to wait and hopefully reap your rewards. Don’t worry, it’s almost over now! Good luck students!