This essay could work for prompts 1, 2 and 7 for the Common App.
Writing college essays isn't about using flowery or verbose prose. Avoid leaning too heavily on the thesaurus to sound impressive. Choose a natural writing style that’s appropriate for the subject matter.
Admissions officers also want to see that the student can give a direct answer while sticking to a comprehensive narrative. When writing college essays, consider the point you want to make and develop a fleshed-out response that fits the prompt. Avoid force-fitting prewritten pieces. Approach every personal essay prompt as if it's your first.
Also, avoid stressing about trying to write what you think colleges want to see. Learning how to draft a good essay for college is about showcasing who you are. Stay true to your voice. Keep in mind that authenticity is more important than anything else.
This essay could work for prompts 1, 2, 5 and 7 for the Common App.
It's really good that you're thinking about this so early, so first of all kudos for planning ahead. If you're struggling to come up with a topic, College Essay Guy has free material that helps you brainstorm topics. You can also write down any random memory or point of interest in your life. Major events that changed you are great for essays. Colleges also like creative topics, so look at some of the best essays for inspiration (just look up essay that got me into Stanford or best college essays). Other tips that I've picked up from my personal research include:
And before we talk you through how to write your college essay, we want to acknowledge something fairly strange about this process: namely, that this is a kind of writing that you’ve maybe never been asked to do before.
In that sense, college essays are a bizarre bait-and-switch—in high school, you’re taught a few different ways to write (e.g., maybe some historical analysis, or how to analyze literature, or creative writing), and then to apply to college, you’re asked to write something fairly different (or maybe completely different) from any of the things you’ve been asked to write in high school.
A personal essay for college applications is an opportunity for admission admissions panels to get more insight into who you are and what you have to offer. It's often the most personal component of the application, going beyond grades and standardized test scores. Essays usually have open-ended prompts, allowing you to flex your writing skills and make a personal statement.
What do I do for a college essay?? : r/ApplyingToCollege - Reddit
A teacher or college counselor is your best resource. And before you send it off, check, check again, and then triple check to make sure your essay is free of spelling or grammar errors.
How to write a perfect college essay - Quora
-Make sure if you talk about someone else who inspired you that you don't focus on them too much. You're the one who wants to go to college, so make sure you highlight your strengths and how that person impacted you positively.
How to Write the Best College Application Essay - BigFuture
Knowing what to include in a college essay is half the battle. Admissions teams look for many things, but the most influential are authenticity, writing ability, character details, and positive traits. The purpose of the essay is to shed light on your background and gain perspective on your real-world experiences.
Writing a strong college admissions essay (video) - Khan Academy
Because you'll want to tailor each application to each school, expect to write multiple personal essays. Advisers typically recommend starting these pieces during the summer before your senior year of high school. This will give you ample time to concentrate on writing a college essay before you're hit with schoolwork.
how do you write a good admissions essay? - Career Village
Good writing skills matter, but the best college essay is about the quality of your response. Authentic stories in a natural voice have impact. The story you want to tell about yourself will work better for you if it’s told in language that’s not overly sophisticated. Work with a writing coach for help with the academic aspects. Make responding with substance a priority.
What are the most important things to write your own college essay?
Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a can have a positive influence come decision time.