1. Begin weeks in advance
-Most effective essays require up to three to four revisions
2. Create an essay that reflects you as an individual
-Provide insight about yourself that is
not evident in other application materials
-Avoid controversial topics
3. Do not write an essay based on what you think the admissions department
wants to hear
-Be yourself and demonstrate your
uniqueness or area of expertise in comparison to the
many other applicants
4. Write your essay according to the length and topic specified
on the application.
-Follow the directions
5. Remember that you are writing to ‘an unknowing audience’…they
do not know you. So don’t
presume knowledge about your life experiences
-Be clear about what you write
and what you mean
-Let the reader ‘walk
a mile in your shoes’
6. Use powerful language and vivid imagery
-Be free to use analogies
-Create a picture through your
words
-“Show, don’t tell’
7. The depth of your topic is more significant than its breadth
-Hone in on a small, specific,
and significant part of your larger
topic…it
will be more effective
8. Use good mechanics as if your essay was being written for an English
grade
-Create an interesting
opening sentence or introduction to ‘grab’ the reader’s attention
-Have an introduction,
body, and conclusion
-Grammar, spelling
and capitalization are all important
9. Do not use generalities or absolutes…they will dilute your
message
-Be sure to develop a
specific explanation for your comments
10. Proofread, revise, and proofread again
-Enlist the help of
your college planner, English teacher or writing coach after you have
written your essay
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