Tips for Writing your Admissions Essay
Simply stated, the admissions essay is one of your only opportunities to grab the attention of the admissions committee. It is your one real chance to separate yourself from the thousands of applicants you are competing with. There is no standard formula for writing a memorable essay. There are, however, salient points one should keep in mind. What follows is a list of those points compiled by the Editors here at Essay Advantage.
1. An engaging introduction is the key to any successful admissions essay.
Think of your essay as a three-minute movie. Your time is quite limited and it is essential that you capture the imagination and interest of the viewer immediately. Don't give away the ending and don't summarize the plot. Instead, use clear, concise prose to establish the right mood; one that will appeal to their curiosity so that they will want to see how the show ends.
2. While the introduction is vital, what follows is equally important.
Your intro must be captivating but do not overdo it. Do not strike a tone that will be construed as facetious, flippant or silly. Allow your essay to flow logically and naturally to its supporting paragraphs. To insure this logical progression, pay close attention to your transitions. Avoid stock transitional words and phrases such as, "While...", "In addition", "therefore". Use your transitions to develop your theme and move it forward.
3. Big words need a bigger context.
It is tempting to try and reveal your intelligence and word-smithing abilities by dropping some big, fat words into your essay. Don't bother. The admissions committee will not be impressed by your ability to flip through a Thesaurus. Think less 500 Words Every High-School Senior Should Know and more A Farewell to Arms.
4. Capture the Conclusion.
So far, you have been told that the introduction is vital and the body of the essay that follows is just as important. Then, of course, there is the conclusion. Do not simply summarize. The admissions essay is not long enough to warrant a summation. Also, as with the transitions, avoid stock phrases. Do not begin your conclusion with, "In conclusion...", or any other trite phrase. Try instead to utilize this last opportunity to capture the readers' imagination by restating, recapitulating or rephrasing a point made in the body of the essay. Be bold but not stupid. DO NOT end your essay with a quote from a historical figure. The admissions committee wants to know about you, not what Winston Churchill thought about the dog days of war.
5. Freeze! Kindly step away from the essay!
Once you have completed your first rough draft, put the essay down and walk away from it. Time permitting, stay away from it for a few days or a week. Once you go back to it, you will see it in a whole new light. You might feel compelled to rewrite the introduction, change your thesis, or rethink the body of your argument. Do not be afraid of change.
6. Editing -find out who your friends are.
Every writer needs an editor. Even the pros. Spellcheck alone wont do it. Find someone who can review your essay for spelling, grammar and syntax, flow and cohesion, word choice, and whatever else you are concerned with. For more assistance with this, click here.
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