Whether you’re writing for a college application or a scholarship, the essay is integral to the process. It demonstrates that you’re able to think critically and write clearly.
A good essay has several key aspects, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here are a few tips to help you craft the perfect essay for your college application or scholarship.
Start With a Strong Introductory Sentence
A strong introductory sentence can grab the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading your essay. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each application season, so making yours stand out from the crowd is important.
For example, an essay about a special trip could start with a vivid description of one moment from experience. This can capture the attention of an admissions officer who may have only a few minutes to review your entire application.
Be Specific
A college essay is an opportunity to tell your story in a way that will stand out from other applicants. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate that you have a unique perspective on the world and are not afraid to use it to your advantage.
One of the most common mistakes students make when writing an essay is to be generic and unfocused. Instead of writing about a particular topic or activity, try to explain how you came to understand it or why it matters to you.
For example, instead of writing about winning a soccer game or volunteering at a soup kitchen, explain how both helped you develop as a person and influenced your future goals. Honesty about how you’ve overcome obstacles and gritted your teeth when needed may resonate with readers more than a glib victory speech.
Avoid Cliches
Cliches are a common writing mistake that many students make. Using cliches in your essay can leave a negative impression on readers and may hurt your chances of admission to the college of your choice.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid cliches when writing your college essays. The first step is to ensure you have a strong understanding of the topic you’re writing about.
This will help you to be able to write more original and creative essays that will catch the eye of readers. It’s also important to read through your work aloud and listen for cliches or phrases that sound trite.
Be Original
Every student faces the daunting task of writing their college essay. However, it is not impossible to write a unique and captivating essay.
The college essay is an opportunity to show colleges that you are more than your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. The best essays show who you are, what you want to study at college, and how you think.
To make your essay stand out from the crowd, you should always write about something meaningful to you that shows a different side of your personality. This could be your passion for fly fishing, a family road trip, or something else that has shaped your life.
Don’t Forget the Conclusion
One of the most important parts of writing your essay is the conclusion. It’s the last opportunity you have to convince your readers that they should read the rest of your paper.
It’s also the last chance to leave your reader with a positive impression of you as a person. Whether your essay is about the good things that happened to you or the bad things that you did, it’s important to leave a positive note in your conclusion.
Conclusions should include a brief explanation of the significance of your argument. This can be done by reaffirming your thesis, pointing out new information, or explaining how the research you conducted contributed to new knowledge.
The conclusion is a chance to leave your reader with an impression of you as a thinking person. It’s also a chance to connect what you wrote in your essay to how you can contribute to the community and how it will benefit you in college.