Application Essay

Application Essay Sometimes, colleges do not require the particular essay application length. By contrast, there are establishments that have a strict word limit. If you are given requirements with specific word limit, you should definitely follow them. Be attentive while reading college essay prompts and the instructions, as they provide the word count of the particular admission essay. The Great College Essay Project combines the existing free college writing support that’s been provided by 826 National’s chapters since 2002 with Reach Higher’s expertise in creating a college-going movement. Through the project, students from underserved communities can access free, individualized essay coaching and feedback through dedicated workshops at 826’s nine chapters and four other cities nationwide. Hiring an essay coach to help craft college essays is common in many well-off communities â€" it’s not unusual for a coach to charge $1,000 or more for their services. But every student, regardless of their zip code or the amount of cash in their parent/guardian’s bank account, should have access to a trusted adult who can provide essay help. We read essays about the most mundane things - solving a crossword puzzle, taking a walk with a sibling, collecting zany socks - but the way the applicant writes the piece makes it effective. When we begin evaluating your application, everything can seem pretty standard - grades, test scores, activities, lists of AP classes. Similar to the questions above, the emphasis should not be on who you choose. If you choose a person in the hopes of merely impressing the admissions committee, it will likely make your essay appear disingenuous. Instead, write about a person who truly has impacted your life. It doesn’t matter if it’s a third cousin, your boss at the local pizzeria or your French teacher. Additionally, you must remember that, ultimately, admissions officers are using these essays to gain insight into you. You should relate your opinions and arguments to your own life and experiences. You might think you’ve read or heard the perfect opening someplace elseâ€"a book of sample essays, a speech, a line in your favorite movie, etc. But pirating someone else’s writing is plagiarism, and every college I can think of would frown on an applicant who steals other people’s work without crediting the source. There’s always that chance that your reader could recognize what you’re sharing. Just be sure that the essay isn’t merely a biographical sketch. You must write about what they taught you and how it relates to your own outlook on life. As with many of these questions, the issue/cause you select is not nearly as important as your explanation. Though you can certainly demonstrate passion and fervor for your argument, it’s vital you don’t come across as dogmatic. You want to reveal that you can think logically and objectively; the reader shouldn’t come away thinking you’re myopic. Describe your feelings when you found your career or major goals. The admissions department at UC Berkeley will read about 20,000 application essays and Stanford will read about 16,000. The college essay may be your only opportunity to show your personality to the admission office. If you are witty, show the reader your sense of humor (But be cautious. What you think is funny, someone else may not.). If you are more thoughtful, take on a slightly more serious tone. When it comes to writing a successful college essay, you must realize that honesty trumps everything (except possibly good grammar/a typo-free piece). Yes, your letters of recommendation tell us about you, but they’re written from someone else’s perspective. Thus, the college essay is an invaluable component of your application because you're able to speak to us directly. You have the space tell us what you’re thinking about and how you’re thinking about it. Your essay should read like a short English paper about yourself. Start with a main idea and cite specific evidence to support your statement about yourself. Schools aren’t interested in fantasy versions of their applicants. You are a unique individual; be truthful with your answers and the admissions committee will appreciate your point-of-view. It’s okay if you haven’t won the Nobel Peace Prize. Or built a school brick by brick, with your bare hands.