How To Write A Strong College Application Essay

How To Write A Strong College Application Essay Your child has narrowed down the list of colleges to apply to and now comes the all-important college essay. No subject is more anxiety-inducing than the essay. It will capture who your student is beyond grades, test scores and co-curricular activities. Revise, as needed, with attention to word choice, sentence structure, and flow.Does the essay provide new insight? Good college essays typically take several drafts, requiring modification with each shift in voice, tone, or sentence structure. Admissions counselors read dozens of essays every day, so do your best to write clearly and concisely. In your essay, they are looking for signs that you will be a successful student at their institution. It’s important to show that you want to learn, and that you’re enthusiastic about this next chapter in your life and what it can mean for your future. Your girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other.Choosing this topic might be the biggest faux pas in the history of college essay writing. In fact, it is more likely to paint you as the dreaded “typical teenager,” possibly one of the worst monikers in the college admissions industry. Your goal shouldn’t be to impress with complex sentence structures. Good writing, even when describing complex topics, should communicate each point simply and clearly. The College Essay Captain helps teens overcome their fears and limiting beliefs around writing college application essays, so they are free to authentically share their stories with admissions teams. I’m going to give you the rundown of what colleges are looking for when they read your application, and then I’m going to explain how the college essay fits into that equation. Alternatively, some of my friends who were successful in the college admissions process met with their English teachers frequently to review their college essays. This allowed them to constantly have someone to bounce ideas off of and to receive assurance if they were going in the right direction and advice if they weren’t. No matter how wonderful this person is, and no matter how good a writer you are, there is absolutely zero chance that this topic will present you in the best possible light to college admissions professionals. This is because one of the character traits most admissions professionals are looking for is a sense of maturity and self-understanding. Focusing on someone you love, or worse yet, like “a lot,” is highly unlikely to show this side of you. When I first began, I had my counselor and history teacher read my draft because I felt very unsure about the intention and content of my essay. However, neither of them have ever seen my final draft. Throughout the process, I also had several close friends read my drafts. Your son or daughter is a high school senior, and the essay should sound like one. And certainly not one of the most revered writers of all time. Remember that writing a college essay reveals a glimpse of who you are and your unique personality â€" it’s your voice. Expressing yourself through this written exercise adds a three-dimensional quality to your application and conveys your personal qualities. Your narrative, along with your academic record and test scores, will complete your application. Dr. Maggie Wray is an academic life coach who helps high school and college students develop the mindset, motivation, organization, and time management skills they need to be successful in school. Write, rewrite, proofread, polish, and read aloud. The college essay is your personal touch â€" an opportunity to demonstrate your writing and communications skills and prove your readiness for college-level work. The college essay is your opportunity to share your unique story in your own words. It is the chance for an admission officer to hear your authentic voice in an application, so be sure to write about something meaningful in your life that will allow your personality and accomplishments to shine. The college essay is your child’s story, and it should be written using their words, in their voice.