How to write a college essay

Seniors+attend+a+motivational+assembly+on+October+15%2C+PSAT+day.+Many+seniors+are+in+the+process+of+writing+their+college+essays%2C+which+can+often+be+an+arduous+process+if+not+planned+well.+

Tarna Zander-Velloso

Seniors attend a motivational assembly on October 15, PSAT day. Many seniors are in the process of writing their college essays, which can often be an arduous process if not planned well.

As seniors start applying for colleges, many have begun to write their personal statement essays. Even though the essays are most often an overlooked portion of the college application, students should think deeply about their writing and spend quality time crafting a stellar piece of work. Many admissions counselors stress the essay as one of the most important parts of a student’s application because only there can a student’s personality, voice and values clearly stand out.

As a student who recently finished writing her Common Application essay and her supplemental essay questions, I’ve found that a few simple steps can alleviate some of the stress and confusion that surround this all-important part of the admissions process.

1. Pull up the college admissions website for the college to which you intend to apply. Find out if the university has its own application, is on Common Application or is on the Universal Application.

2. Look at the Application and check out the essay question(s). If there are several to choose from, decide which one(s) stand out most to you.

3. Go to the place where you usually think and write best, then jot down ideas that would work well for that essay prompt. Think of the experiences, moments, activities, achievements, failures and people that have meant the most to you in your life, or you can choose to write about something simple that ties in to a deeper personal meaning for you.

4. Start writing on paper or typing on a computer, whichever you feel most comfortable with. Write however you normally write, whether by stream of consciousness in one sitting, careful planning over several days or stop and start, stop and start. *During this step, you will likely discover which essay is going to work best for you, especially if you chose a couple of topics to experiment with. Whichever essay begins flowing best and most naturally to you is probably the one you should stick with and perfect.

5. After you feel you have finished, proofread. Check if you have written with the correct number of words; most essays have a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 or 650 words. Make sure that you have clearly answered the prompt. Even though this may seem obvious, it is an easy mistake to make.

6. *No matter what the prompt is, make sure it reveals something about YOU and what is important to you. Even if the prompt tells you to write about a role model, make sure you connect that role model to how he/she has shaped your life for the better. Remember, college admissions counselors want to see who you are and why you should attend their university.

7. Have at least three people read your essay to check if you have answered the prompt, have written with your own voice and have made no grammatical errors. A parent, an English teacher and a close friend are often the best choices. When you hand them your essay, remember to include the prompt as well. Make sure to give them ample time to review your essay(s).

8. After your readers have finished reviewing your essays, speak with them if they have questions, and talk to them about the advice they have given you.

9. Make final edits to your essay, take a deep breath and send off your essay to your school of choice.

At the end of the process, you should feel confident that your essay has revealed something important about you not already covered in your application and that your personal voice/writing style has shone through your writing.