College Essay Tips: 5 Ways to Write an Effective College Essay | Women’s Choice Award

5 Tips for Writing an Effective College Essay

All collegebound seniors looking to get into the best colleges and universities will eventually face the same challenge: the admissions essay. With such high stakes, many students grapple with what to write about. It can be difficult to choose a single defining moment in life that is worthy of an essay—not to mention one that will gain them admission to their top choice schools. If you have embarked on writing your college essay, here are some tips to guide you: College-Essay

1. Consider your audience and purpose.

As you brainstorm ideas for your essay topic, one of the first things to consider is why you are writing and who your readers are. You are informing, persuading, and hopefully entertaining college admissions officers who will ultimately determine your admission to college. Aim to share a personal experience, but one that puts you in a favorable light.

2. Focus on your strengths.

This is a written snapshot of who you are: focus on your strengths and be positive. When brainstorming ideas, list your most admirable personality traits. Next consider experiences that showcase some of these qualities. Narrow your scope and try to develop one trait or experience. Remember that the goal is to show you are a dynamic, well-rounded student who would make a great addition to their university.

3.Develop your voice and style.

When writing a personal essay, it is important to draw the reader in with scene setting adjectives, carefully selected verbs, and specific details. Your voice is the conduit that connects you to the reader. The more vivid and specific you are, the more impact you will have on the admissions officer. Your word choice, sentence structure, and style will distinguish you from other applicants.

4.Take a compositional risk.

A compositional risk is a moment where the writer draws on humor, makes an unlikely comparison, or does something unexpected in subject or structure. An effective risk will enhance the reader’s understanding of the text--it should not offend, confuse, or distract your audience. To determine if your risk is effective-ask for your proofreaders’ reactions.

5.Listen to your English teacher.

Your essay is a testament of your capabilities as a writer; therefore, all the tips you learned in English class should apply. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have an attention-grabbing opening? Do your body paragraphs unfold in a logical sequence? Are there transition sentences between and at the start of paragraphs to connect your ideas? Do you have a closing that brings all your ideas together? Are you writing in active language that is direct and concise? Have you proofread and corrected any spelling or mechanical errors? Getting into the best colleges is not an easy feat, so don’t be afraid to ask for help and have friends and educators review your essay before submitting it to your top schools of choice. And, check out the free, ‘Her Guide to America’s Best Colleges’ to see the top 300 schools as well as lots of tips and advice for your first year at college. We promise you won’t want to miss it!

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