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How Do I Even Begin Writing My College Essays?

by CB Staff
There isn't anything specific that colleges expect to see in your essay -- what they really want is originality and creativity. Picking your topic or focus is the most difficult part of the essay, if one hasn't been chosen for you already.

Some brainstorming boosters: Write about an extra special vacation. Express how your favorite song captures your feelings for life. Describe someone you admire. Share your feelings about a valuable friendship. Write an essay only you can write. Anyone can discuss last summer's family trip to Europe, but only you can explain how your French class lessons finally came into use in Paris when you desperately needed to find a restroom.

Have fun with your first draft! You not only want to convey your intelligence and goals, but your personality, too. Of course, after you get your thoughts down, remember this...

Beyond the content, admissions officers also look at how your  

College Essay

  is constructed. You need to convey to the colleges -- on your application, at your college interviews, and in your essay -- that you are dedicated, intelligent, motivated, and full of aspirations. Emphasize your OTHER strengths, aside from grades... your participation in a favorite club or organization, an exciting after-school involvement with a group, hobby, etc. Don't feel like you need to brag or exaggerate to make yourself appeal to the reader, however. Admissions officers have a keen eye for spotting phonies.

Once it's time to write, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Begin writing your essay early. See if you can find out the essay question(s) for your colleges of choice and start planning!

  • Have a family member or close friend proofread it for errors that you may not have caught.

  • Watch out for application killers like run-on sentences, using the wrong word, spelling errors, etc.

  • Use a strong opening to reel 'em in -- be different from the hundreds of other essays in the pile.







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