College Essays: show colleges why they want you!

The college admissions essay is an opportunity for students to share something about themselves that cannot be found in the resume,  SAT score,  GPA, academic awards, or any other document  include  in the application package.  Admissions officers try to gain insight into the applicant after reading 150 to 500 words.

The college essay is not something that will get students admitted or denied. However, it can help students get in, but it can also work against students. Admissions officers are  looking at how well students communicate their ideas and describe the information they are sharing. They want to get to know the students, and they are more concerned about what students want them to know about.

A strong essay shows what students are interested in, what they're committed to, what they will do with the lessons learned, and what actions they took because of the experience.

Tips for college essays:

1. Stay focused and personal. Don’t just give the admissions officers a laundry list of what you’ve done. Write to show them who  you are.

3. Do not just repeat information that is already in the application.

2. Use strong, focused words in the essay. Don't use weak vocabulary, a word you don't know, or text messaging lingo in the essays.

4. Remember this is your essay, not your parents’ or teachers'. The essay must be your own words and thoughts.

5. Proofread closely. For example, spell check won’t catch that you wrote "form" instead of "from."

6. Make sure the essay clearly describes you. If you lose your essay, a friend should be able to return it to you even without your name on it.

7. Don't turn in essays overflowing with errors or which fail to answer what the college wants to know. It will suggest that you are not serious about the college.

Need help with your college essays?

Kris can take you into the heart of the writing process and come up with an exceptional, genuine final draft. She is accustomed to reviewing drafts by email and helping students over phone or by email; she can work with students from anywhere and at a mutually convenient time.

Consult with Kris on as many essays as you like from either only need proofreading or need to be coaxed from a blank page. If interested, send me an email, and we will work out price depending on what you need.