The college essay is a personal essay that tells an engaging story in 650 words or fewer. It is comparable to memoir or creative nonfiction writing, which relate the author’s personal experiences. The college essay is fundamentally personal and creative.
What should I write about in my college essay?
Write a Great College Essay (+ Examples)
- Show Your Passion. Make sure the topic that you choose for your application essay is one that you are passionate about, one that matters deeply to you.
- Be Specific. Details, details, details.
- Show, Don’t Tell.
- Less Is More.
- Use Humor.
What should you not write in a college essay?
College Essay Topics to Avoid
- Controversial Topics. Controversial topics, such as current political hot buttons, should be avoided at all costs.
- Highly Personal Topics.
- Personal Achievements and Accomplishments.
- Most Important Place or a Role Model.
- Creative Writing.
- Athletic Topics.
- Humorous Topics or Jokes.
- Tragic Events.
What should college essays show?
Your essay should be a true representation of who you are as a person—admissions officers want to read essays that are meaningful, thoughtful, and consistent with the rest of the application.
How do you start a college essay?
An effective college essay introduction should “wow” admissions officers. It should be creative, intriguing, and unique. Make sure you start with a strong “hook” or “grabber.” It’s a good idea to follow this first sentence with a vivid anecdote, which you will then connect to the overall topic of your essay.
How do I make my college essay stand out?
A standout college essay has several key ingredients: A unique, personally meaningful topic. A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook. Specific stories and language that show instead of telling.
How long is a college essay?
between 150 and 650 words
College essays are usually pretty short: between 150 and 650 words. Admissions officers have to read a lot of them, after all! Weigh your words carefully, because they are limited!
Is it okay to cuss in a college essay?
Avoid swearing in a college essay, since admissions officers’ opinions of profanity will vary. In some cases, it might be okay to use a vulgar word, such as in dialogue or quotes that make an important point in your essay. However, it’s safest to try to make the same point without swearing.
Is it okay to lie in your college essay?
Although writing about yourself might appear as a slippery slope, you must always strive to stick to the truth and avoid telling lies. Writing about yourself can be a slippery slope, which is why it is best to stick to the truth and leave the lies behind.
Can I write about death in my college essay?
But remember that your essay isn’t really about the death of your loved one; it’s about the lessons you learned from that experience and how those lessons manifest themselves in your intellect, your academics, or your extracurriculars. That’s what admissions officers want to know.
What makes a strong college essay?
Telling Your Story to Colleges
The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable.
What should I write my essay about?
Some great ideas for your essay topic are:
- Your favorite childhood memory.
- Most recent travel experience.
- The death of a friend or relative that influenced you.
- The loss of a pet that changed your life.
- Your best friend and how you met.
- Your first time on a plane.
- The first book you read.
- The worst memory you have.
Do college essays need a title?
Should I title my college essay? You don’t need one. In the vast majority of cases, students we work with don’t use titles. The handful of times they have, they’ve done so because the title allows for a subtle play on words or reframing of the essay as a whole.
How do you write a college killer essay?
Step-by-Step: How to Write Your College Essay
- Read All of the Instructions.
- Brainstorm Your College Essay Topic.
- Create Your Outline.
- Hook Your Readers With a Killer Introduction.
- Support Your Ideas With Examples.
- Use Your Voice and Allow Your Personality to Shine.
- Stay Focused on Your Message.
How do you write a good introduction paragraph for a college essay?
Introduction. Your intro tells your reader what to expect from your essay. Think of it as a brief roadmap that begins with an intriguing opening line, includes a quick summary of the topic and ideas you’ll present, and concludes with a thesis statement. It’s important to draw your reader in from the very first sentence
Is a 6 on the SAT essay good?
Because of the different trends for Analysis scores on the SAT essay, an Analysis score of a 6 or above puts you well above average; a score of 3-5 is solidly middle of the pack; and a score of 2 is low.
When should I start writing my college essay?
Aim to start your college essays during the summer before your senior year. After all, once senior year is under way you’ll also have to juggle coursework and other commitments, so having a draft or two completed will put you in the best possible position to submit polished, compelling essays.
Why does my college essay matter?
The essay is a very important part of the college application. The essay gives the applicant a chance to demonstrate not only his or her writing style, but to highlight an important characteristic or ability that may not have been mentioned in any other component of the application.
How strict are college essay word limits?
Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit. If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words. You should aim to stay under the specified limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely.
How many college essays do you need?
Most schools require 1-3 supplemental essays, though some may require more or none at all (see our list of top colleges without supplements). These supplemental essays tend to be around 250 words, though some may be just as long as your main essay.
How much does your college essay matter?
At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.
