Writing a college essay can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can write an essay that will impress your admissions officers and help you get into the college of your dreams.
One of the best ways to improve your college essay writing skills is to read examples of well-written essays. This will help you get a sense of what admissions officers are looking for and how to structure your own essay.
Here are three examples of college essays that are 250 words or less:
- Example 1: This essay is about a student’s experience overcoming adversity.
- Example 2: This essay is about a student’s passion for music.
- Example 3: This essay is about a student’s volunteer work.
Personal essays are a popular choice for college essay prompts. Why? Because they’re a lot easier to write than anything that sounds like a term paper. But there’s one very specific type of personal essay that’s far too common out there, in which the student recounts a personal tragedy, hardship, or struggle, and then concludes with a phony, upbeat “triumph over adversity” conclusion. It’s the “I had a hard childhood, but I overcame it” essay. On the one hand, it’s nice to hear about students who are able to turn their lives around and achieve success despite the challenges they’ve faced. On the other hand, how many more times do I have to read this exact same essay?
Did you know that, according to the College Board, the most popular essay prompt for college applications is “Describe a time when you faced a challenge and what you learned from it?” What does this tell you about the admissions officers who read these essays all day long? Specifically, it tells you that they are probably sick to death of reading about students who overcame a challenge. That’s why your best bet is to write an essay that’s completely different from anything else they’ve read before. One way to do this is to write about a passion that you have. After all, everyone has something that they’re passionate about, whether it’s music, sports, art, or something else.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the world. It can also help you develop important skills that will benefit you in college and beyond. If you’ve volunteered for a cause that you’re passionate about, consider writing about it in your college essay. This will show admissions officers that you’re a well-rounded individual who is committed to making a difference. Just be sure to focus on the impact that your volunteer work has had on you, rather than simply listing your accomplishments.
As you read these examples, pay attention to the following:
- The structure of the essay
- The use of strong language
- The overall tone of the essay
Once you have a good understanding of what makes a good college essay, you can start writing your own. Remember to be yourself and write about something that you are passionate about. With a little effort, you can write an essay that will impress your admissions officers and help you get into the college of your dreams.
Here are some additional tips for writing a successful college essay:
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Brainstorm ideas
Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. What are you passionate about? What are your unique experiences? What are your goals for the future? Once you have a few ideas, start to narrow them down until you find one that you are excited to write about.
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Create an outline
Once you have a topic, create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
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Write a strong introduction
The introduction of your essay is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Start with a hook that will make the reader want to keep reading. You can also use the introduction to provide some background information on your topic.
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Develop strong body paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your essay should provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement.
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Write a strong conclusion
The conclusion of your essay should wrap up your argument and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Restate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of your essay. You can also use the conclusion to share your thoughts on the implications of your argument.
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Proofread your essay
Once you have finished writing your essay, take some time to proofread it carefully. Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You should also make sure that your essay is well-organized and flows smoothly.
By following these tips, you can write a college essay that will impress your admissions officers and help you get into the college of your dreams.
