Advices about Application Essay

The College Application Essay is a vital part of the college admission process. In your essay you have the chance to show the admission officer who you are, what you are about, and what you can do. All the things considered in the application essay demonstrate what you can produce when you have the time to think and the freedom to make an essay of your own. This guide gives you a number of College Application Essay Tips to help your application shine.

Don’t be Afraid to Reveal to Them Who You Are

It is extremely important when you write the application to be yourself. This is the admissions officers’ primary piece of advice and you need to ensure that you stick to it. But what does ‘being yourself’ actually mean in the context of a College Application Essay? You should share your thoughts, feelings and personal stories that tie in with your personality.

Be Focused

The best examples focus on a small number of stories and personal aspects, and still have a clear structure and a logical progression, with a narrow focus in general. The reader must have an idea to follow from beginning to end, and your introduction should be able to demonstrate what the whole essay is about.

Start Your Application Essay as Early as Possible

The earlier you start your application, the more time you will have to think about what you want to say, plan and structure what you are going to say. You need plenty of time to proofread your work and get friends and teachers to proofread it too.

Don’t Rely on Clichés

Students commonly rely on stock phrases and clichéd feelings and themes, such as ‘I want to help people and make a difference’ or ‘I want to achieve to the best of my ability’. These examples are obviously good, but there is no need to be explicit with such obvious and widespread themes, and it is always better to be original and use your own voice. Rehashing the opinions of others or catering to what you think the admissions people want to hear is never good.

Tone, Content, Style and Structure

The tone of the College Application Essay needs to be semi-formal. Don’t be too rigid and formal with your language, and yet keep in mind that your writing needs to sound professional. You have freedom to choose a structure which suits your writing, but you should not include lists such as grades, skills, abilities etc., and indeed your content needs to avoid relying on your achievements and abilities – remember the personal approach and remember never to brag. You should never overwrite; the fewer words you use to explain yourself and get the point across, the better. Never forget that there are many formal essay rules provided for your assignment, such as word count, format, and in some cases topic.

Do your best with application essay, but if you have any difficulties with your writing, don’t panic: we can help you.