College Essay Writing Guide: How to Write Great Application Essays
Writing an application essay for college can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right approach, you can tackle this project and get your application essay completed in a way that highlights why you would be a great addition to a school’s incoming class. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire college essay writing process, from brainstorming essay topics to polishing your final draft. By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling application essays that help your chances of getting accepted.
Brainstorming Topics and Crafting a Thesis
The first step is coming up with potential essay topics or themes to write about. Colleges want to get a sense of who you are beyond grades and test scores. Some questions to ask yourself during the brainstorming process include: What are your passions? What unique experiences have shaped you? What are your values or core beliefs? What motivates you and what are your goals? Are there challenges you’ve faced or overcome?
Once you have a list of potential topics, think about narrowing them down to a specific thesis or central idea you want to explore. Your thesis statement is essentially a 1-2 sentence description of the main point or focus of your essay. Crafting a clear, specific thesis upfront helps guide your writing and ensures your essay stays centered on a single key idea. Run potential thesis statements by friends/family to see which one grabs their interest or seems most authentic to who you are.
Outlining and Organizing Your Thoughts
With your thesis defined, the next step is creating an outline to organize your overall essay structure and sequence of key points. A basic outline should include an intro paragraph with your thesis, 3-5 body paragraphs each elaborating on a different part of your thesis, and a conclusion paragraph that restates your central message. Within each body paragraph, jot down specific anecdotes, memories, lessons learned, or other evidence you want to share to illustrate and develop your thesis. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence relating back to your thesis. Outlining puts your ideas in a logical flow and provides a plan to follow as you start writing.
Writing the Introduction
Your introduction serves as the launch point, giving readers background context and orienting them to your overall focus. Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence that draws readers in. Next, share some biographical details or background info as needed. Then state your clear thesis declaration. Avoid just restating the prompt, instead provide your unique perspective on the topic. Keep your intro short at 3-5 sentences maximum.
Telling Stories in Body Paragraphs
Now dive into your outlined body paragraphs, using specific, vivid stories and anecdotes to illustrate your thesis point. Paint word pictures so readers feel like they’re right there with you in each scenario. Share lessons learned and personal growth. Explain how each experience shaped who you are and inspires your goals/passions. Make sure each paragraph has a clear connection to your thesis. Vary sentence structures for rhythm. Keep paragraphs 3-5 sentences each to maintain flow and focus.
Crafting a Satisfying Conclusion
Your conclusion wraps things up while also leaving a lasting impression. Begin by revisiting your thesis in a new way without direct repetition. Then sum up the significance or meaning of your overall experiences discussed. Finally, end on a note of reflection about your takeaways, or thoughts looking ahead. Conclude with a short, poignant closing sentence that offers closure or puts a bow on your message. Aim for 3-4 sentences max. Check that your conclusion doesn’t introduce new information and ties it all back neatly to your intro.
Editing and Polishing
Once your first draft is complete, set it aside for a day or two before thoroughly editing with fresh eyes. Clean up any grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, redundancies, etc. Trim unnecessary words to tighten prose. Ensure storytelling scenes have vivid sensory details for impact. Check paragraph flow and structure adhere to your outline. Have others proofread as well, asking them to keep in mind the college application context versus creative writing assessment. Make any final revisions based on feedback. When polished, format neatly with your name and details in 12-point font prior to submission. With patience and focus on high-quality storytelling, you’ll craft a memorable essay highlighting your unique strengths and passions.
Following Specific Prompts
In addition to common essay options asking who you are and why a school, read essay prompts very carefully for any specific requirements the college outlines. Look for keywords relating to themes like overcoming challenges, your future goals, or attributes you’ll bring. If a supplemental prompt allows diverging from a common application question, craft a new angle tailored to what excites you most about that particular college. Always follow formatting guidelines precisely and adhere to stated maximum word counts. With attention to details, you’ll give each college a customized, tailored application that stands out from the crowd.
Requesting Recommendations
While your personal statement focuses internally, colleges also value outside perspectives on your character through letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders, usually a teacher and counselor, who know you well in an academic or extracurricular capacity and will speak highly of your work ethic, leadership, compassion or other admirable qualities. Brief them on your goals and give them a resume with accolades to highlight. Submit requests with plenty of lead time and follow up respectfully if materials are not received on schedule. Your recommenders want to help, so communicating needs upfront makes the process smooth.
Putting it All Together
With brainstorming, outlining, writing, revising and finalizing recommendation requests complete, organize all application materials systematically in one location. Double check essays adhere to specific instructions for each college and re-read essays out loud for any remaining errors or modifications before the submission deadline. Submit applications online yourself if possible for error-free transmission. Or ship paper copies (if required) with ample time to arrive. Once all components are neatly documented and on their way, celebrate this milestone achievement! You’ve taken important steps toward the exciting next chapter and hopefully future enrollment at your dream schools.
Getting Accepted: Final Tips
While essays alone can’t guarantee admission, high-quality, genuinely personal writing gives selectors meaningful insights to get to know you beyond stats or activities. Stay true to yourself throughout. Remember to proofread with care, use precise vocabulary fitting for an academic context versus casual speech, and organize your essay structure around a clear thesis. Requesting feedback and revisions ups the quality. Most experts suggest avoiding sensitive topics unless profoundly formative to who you are. With polish and focus on highlighting your strengths and passions through impactful storytelling, you’ll impress colleges and ace the application essay component to boost your chances at the next level.
Andrew Stroud