How to Write a College Essay
It’s time to start thinking about it! For you juniors, college may still seem a ways off, but now that it’s a new year, things are going to start moving fast!
This is a perfect time to begin thinking about and planning your college admission essay. This unique, quirky story of you will be an important factor in a school’s decision, so make sure you know how to maximize your essay and really engage your reader.
Below, we’ll highlight some important points for writing a truly memorable and effective college essay.
Show don’t tell: This is the key to it all: listing accomplishments or delineating achievements will simply come off as arrogant whereas showing the reader something about you will involve him in your story and allow to talk about yourself without coming off as “braggy.” I’ve read essays that have shared stories of teatime with a beloved grandparent or a first time driving or the struggles of having curly hair and all have done one thing effectively: showed me, the reader, the person behind the essay, not just the numbers or grades. Don’t be afraid to tell your story—we can get more from it than you might think!
It’s ok to be funny: School stuff is so often deadly serious and while, certainly, academics are not to be taken lightly, it is actually ok to bring some humor into your essay. Not only will this humanize you, it will show that you’re much more than your GPA or your course load. Being human and vulnerable is a great way to create a bond with your reader (just ask Mark Twain) and to write something that is relatable. That being said, if you don’t typically write using humor, don’t force it; for some writers, it’s a natural fit while for others, it might sound awkward. Nevertheless, some of the best essays I’ve read incorporate humor effectively and not only inform, but also entertain, the reader.
Show it to (not too many) people: It’s great to get feedback on your work. Indeed, other eyes can often spot things that we might have missed like grammar issues or confusing narratives. However, it’s good to adhere to the old “too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth” saying. If you have too much feedback, you run the risk of your essay becoming fragmented and of it losing your voice—and that’s the most important part: that it sounds like you!
Don’t leave it until the last minute: As with any story, it’s important that all the pieces fit together and that it’s logical, interesting, and complete. These elements are difficult to accomplish if you just dash it off quickly and with little thought. Therefore, starting early, revising, editing, and making changes can ensure that your narrative is a strong representation of you. Getting an early start allows you the opportunity to walk away from it if you get stuck and to consider revisions and changes that can strengthen the narrative.
At iAchieve, we are experts in all things relating to the college admissions process. We can help you make your essay an amazing statement that will resonate with readers and help you get into the school of your choice!
Written by Phil Lane
Interested in working with a private tutor? Contact us today to learn how our tutors can help you prepare for essential college tests such as the ACT or SAT.
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