For most students, applying to college is exciting but also challenging at the same moment. One of the most important elements includes writing the best college application essay. It helps you to show who you are, and make that excellent impression that will certainly enter the memory books. Here, then, are some important tips and suggestions on how to write a good college application essay.
How to Format a College Essay
Organizing your college application essay correctly is just as important as the content itself. Here’s a simple guide to help you format your essay:
- Format: If the college dictates the specific format of the essay, follow guidelines. If not, then a standard format should be applied.
- Font and Size: Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12 is well recommended for ease of reading your essay.
- Spacing: Double-space your essay to allow the admissions officers to easily read and make notes.
- Margins: All sides should have one-inch margins.
- Title and Heading: Most of the time, this document does not have to have a title; however, it adds a touch of professionalism to it. Your name, application ID, and date go in the header unless instructed otherwise.
- Word Count: Do not beat the word count set by the college. It shows that you can usually follow directions and be succinct.
Structure for a College Application Essay
Introduction
- Set the background and introduce the topic.
- Focus on the thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs
- Each of the paragraphs should focus on an individual aspect of your story or experience.
- Examples, details, and personal reflections should support the arguments.
- Logical and cohesive writing from one paragraph to another.
Conclusion
- Reflections upon lessons learned or changes that have occurred.
- Finish with a strong closing statement that will leave an indelible mark.
How to Start a College Application Essay
The opening to your essay accurately sets the tone for the rest of the piece, so make it count! Here are some strategies to get you off to a good start on your college application essay.
- Hook to the Reader: First, give an attention-grabbing start by stating a shocking fact, an interesting question, a bold statement, or stating an interesting narrative.
- Introduce the Topic: After having hooked the reader, give some background to them. Introduce the main theme or subject you are writing about.
- Develop Your Voice: The voice in which you write should be normal. Your introduction gives an insight into your personality and should introduce yourself in the first few lines.
What is a Good Starting Sentence for a College Essay?
Unlike compare and contrast essay, the first sentence of your college essay is important because it sets the stage for everything that follows. Here are a few examples of good starting sentences:
- Narrative: “As I sat at my desk, staring at the blank page before me, I felt the weight of all the words yet to be written.”
- Quoting: “I have always been drawn to the succeeding words of Ralph Waldo Emerson. In a world that is continually trying to make you something else is the highest achievement.”
- Bold Statement: “Never would I ever have thought that within the chaos of a busy kitchen my passion was to be found, but there I was, losing pancakes and catching on to a purpose.”
The goal of the opening sentence is to interest the reader, making them want to read more.
Selecting the Right Tense for Your College Application Essay
Selecting the proper tense in your college application essay is an important way to maintain clarity and consistency.
- Present Tense: General statements are normally made in the present tense, or the present tense is used while reflecting feelings or thoughts regarding the present time. For example, I suppose the power of writing stimulates change and initiates imagination.
- Consistency: Ensure a consistent tense as you pen down your essay. Tense changes mislead and interfere with the reader’s thinking process.
Essential Tips for writing a Strong College Application Essay
When we write a college application essay involves a thoughtful approach. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you get started.
Recognize the prompt
Be more careful while reading the essay prompt provided by the college. Recognize what they ask for and write to the point.
Idea generation
Take some time to create ideas on topics that best describe and point out your experiences, strengths, and personality. Reflect upon events that shaped your character, challenges you overcame, or emotions that drive you.
Outline
If you use an outline to organize your thoughts, this will give you a clear idea of how to logically set up your essay with an insistent introduction and body and end it with a conclusion.
Stay authentic
Use your voice in your writing. Again, admission officers are going to be reading your essay, so make sure that they hear you and not some variety of what you believe they should hear.
Show, don’t tell
You should always relate bright narratives and specific examples rather than state a fact. It makes your essay more significant and interesting.
Here are some additional tips to help you craft a strong college application essay.
Be specific and personal
In focus, be specific to an aspect of your life that would provide a specific clue about yourself. As much as possible, avoid those statements that are generic, which can relate to every other person.
Proofread and edit application essay
If possible, read your essay over several times, making grammatical and spelling corrections. Take this opportunity to give it to the teacher, mentor, or friend to review it.
Keep it positive
While one can discuss challenges, one must have the essay end on a positive note by showing growth, resistance, or an important lesson learned.
Clichés
As much as possible, avoid overused phrases and themes. Since admission officers read thousands of essays, originality is very key.
Strong conclusion
Summarize the main points in your essay through your conclusion and leave an indelible mark on their minds. Let them again be reminded as to why you fit well in the college and how you could contribute toward the community.
Summary
College application essays look like an impossible task. If carefully planned, written with genuineness, and paying close attention to details, you can provide an essay that can represent yourself in the best possible manner.
Some of the key tips that you need to consider here are to be yourself’ is the most important thing in life; an extraordinary opening sentence can take the interest of the reader in your essay, and above everything else, clarity and consistency will help convey your message effectively.
