College admissions is competitive,

TO BEGIN WITH...

I) Remember that this is the part of the application you have total control over. (That's good.)

2) Don't write your essay at the last minute. This is an important part of the application. Leave yourself enough time to be able to think about it for a while, talk about it with others if you Wal1t, write it, leave it for a few days and come back to it.

3) Take seriously any specific instructions the admissions office includes. If they ask for a one-page essay, don't send three pages. And don't fit it onto one page by shrinking it into tiny type on your word processor. People have to be able to read it. You do not want to annoy the admissions office.

4) If you have any questions relating to any application do not be afraid to call the admissions office. They're used to getting calls like yours.

FOCUSING YOUR THOUGHTS and CHOOSING A TOPIC

1) Read all of the essay questions asked by all of the colleges you are applying to. If you can write one essay which is appropriate for a few colleges, all the better. Two schools may have open-ended topics, one may be more focused, and if you gear your essay toward the more focused topic you may be able to/want to use it for all three schools. Then...

2) Sit around and THINK for a while. What is this college's question asking? Make sure your essay answers it, but tell your own story. If the question gives you some latitude, mull over various ideas until you hit upon one that "feels" right, or about which you're more excited about than others.

4) Write about something that is important to YOU (not to your brother, mother, counselor, or any of the other people who are giving you advice.) It will be easier to write and will have a more natural voice.

5) Don't try and second-guess the admissions office. Not "what do they Want to hear?" or "what would they like?" but "what do I want to tell them?", "what do I want 'them to know about me before they make their decision?" "what shall I talk about that will give them a feeling for what make me tick?" Remember, you're in the driver's seat for this one.

WRITING

I) Don't try and cover too much. All-encompassing essays will either be too long or, if shorter, superficial. Think about the things you've read and enjoyed; writing is usually interesting because of its detail, not its generalities.

2) Be personal. It's your application, your experiences, your thoughts, interests and personality. The admissions committee is trying to get to know you through your own words. Even if the topic is an intellectual one, the school is looking for a personal response.

3) Convey your feelings. If you're excited about something, convey that. If you feel strongly about something (positive or negative), express that. Dry essays devoid of feeling don't tend to be very interesting.

4) Don't try to be something you aren't. If the humor feels self-conscious, forget it. Don't force a "creative" essay. Write in a voice which feels natural to you.

5) Be reflective. Write in some depth. Use some detail or specifics,not just general (and superficial, and easy) statements. Flesh out your thoughts. Ask yourself WHY and HOW a lot as you write, not so much WHAT, WHEN or WHERE

6) What you say as well as how you say it are both important. A great idea poorly expressed will not seem so great.

AND FINALLY...

Once you've sent your application in, stop worrying about it. If you did your best, that's all you can ask of yourself!

TYPICAL ESSAYS REQUIRED

MAJOR ESSAY (500 words), YOUR ACADEMIC INTEREST, YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITY, and WHY THIS UNIVERSITY THE BEST FOR YOU

The most important element in each essay you write is YOU! After all, there is only one person exactly like you ... with your experience, your ideas, your actions and reactions, your feelings, your mental acuity, your philosophy of life, your passion for sports, music, helping those less fortunate than you ... you possess a genuine uniqueness. It is YOU that the admission's committee is trying to evaluate. Therefore, what better way to communicate the very essence of you than by writing an original and truly impressive college essay.

GUIDELINES

Take TIME ... time to explore ideas, think about your many choices, and time to write and re-write. You can complete your application form in an hour or two. Writing your major essay and several auxiliary ones takes many hours.

Aim for BALANCE. If your write a comical, ironical, or satirical essay, be sure that you show a serious or thoughtful side of yourself as well.

Use realistic VOCABULARY. The Thesaurus can be your worse enemy. Real people read your words, and your words must reflect a real person, not a dictionary.

Use the STYLE that exemplifies your strength. Don't attempt to be funny when you have never written a funny essay in your life. This is definitely not the time to take a risk.

If possible, use ANECDOTES, or examples, when you write your essay. When you write about a person that influenced your life, tell a real story. If you have participated in a meaningful community service project, make it come to life with specific examples. Give people names, describe places, and relate feelings.

Any reference you make to literature, current events, historical events, must be absolutely accurate.

Never offend the reader. Avoid political opinions, religious references, ethnic references or unacceptable language.

The technical and grammatical aspect of every essay must be perfect. Grammar, spelling, usage, and vocabulary should be correct.

STRATEGY

Follow directions. You will be evaluated on whether or not you answer the question that is posed on that particular application. While it is good strategy to adapt your essay to fit several essays, be certain to answer the exact question asked.

Write a clear, concise, and interesting essay. Don't count the words unless it is necessary to do so.

Grab the attention of the reader! If you have not engaged the curiosity of the reader after the first sentence, you are in trouble.

Remember that you are actually engaging the reader in a one-way conversation. You are answering his question; write in a direct and personal manner.

In addition to always answering the question, follow any other specific instructions. For example, if you are asked to use 'only the space provided do just that. If you are asked to limit your response to 300 or 500 words stay within these parameters.

Create an essay that can be modified and used for several different schools.

WRITING

Don't try to cover too much. Stay on track and stick to the thesis. Think about the things your have read and enjoyed. Writing is usually interesting because of details, not generalities. Keep in mind the 'why' and 'how' as you write and don't get lost in the 'what, when and where'.

Be personal. This is your application, your personality. These are your thoughts, your interests, and your experiences. The admissions committee is trying to get to know you through your own words.

What you say as well as how you say it are both important. A great idea poorly expressed is wasted.

AFTER WRITING

PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, and PROOFREAD. Neatness, accurate spelling, and punctuation, are important.

Limit the number of people that you ask to review your essay. Honesty counts! This is YOUR essay. Someone else can read your work for technical accuracy but too much revision removes your personality and creativity.

REMEMBER that everything you write, each essay or short answer will be read and evaluated. Your essays are your only true voice in the application process.

One of my favorite suggestions is to look into media studies. School like Columbia College, Emerson, or Loyola New Orleans all have interesting programs in this area. Students with a passion for the arts might not end up on stage, but it is still really awesome to be a part of a production. Media studies can also lead towards advertising and marketing opportunities at small and large businesses.

The best to handle a waitlist or deferral is to consider it a maybe. You have to let them know you are still interested. Following up with a school with new awards, new accomplishments, or a new grades can be really helpful.