Tips for Writing an Application Essay
How to start?
Outline: Organize your thoughts. Plan your writing.
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Narrow your topic. Don’t try to cover too many topics.
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Engage in self -evaluation. Who am I and what do I have to say?
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Show don't just tell. Support essay with examples, details and reasons.
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Use your personal voice in writing the essay.
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Do a quick survey: How do others see me? Who do they think I am? Ask family and friends.
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Tighten up your essay. Do a 1st, 2nd draft (and more if needed).
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Get others to proof read your essay.
How to write a focused essay?
- Introduction: Hook your reader. Use a compelling thesis statement. Create one main point you want to make in your essay. The main point is also known as your thesis, and you want to make it as strong and clear as possible.
- Prepare a list of other points, examples, events, and details to support the main point or thesis.
- Make sure you set out the main idea for each paragraph.
- Focus each paragraph only on one aspect of the thesis statement.
- Create logical transitions: Move smoothly from one thought or idea to another.
- Use your personal voice to relate your story. Don't resort to the third person voice.
- Write your conclusion. Tie everything up. (Without rehashing what you've already written about). Your concluding statement should refer back to your thesis statement at the beginning of your essay. A good conclusion should tie together your essay and provide your audience with a sense of completion or closure.
Quick Do's and Don'ts for writing application essays
DO'S
Do start your essays early. Consider writing drafts in the summer before your senior year.
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Do show what you mean rather than telling it. Give examples and illustrate your topic to bring your essay to life!
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Do write in your own voice or style. Don't imitate other authors and their styles. Your essay should reflect your own "personal" approach to the topic at hand.
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Do write about something you know about and feel comfortable with.
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Do have someone else proofread your essay for you.
Do write more than one draft of your essay.
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Do put down your essay for 24 hours and then read it again! Look for triteness, dullness, logic, etc.
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Do read your essay out loud to yourself. You may hear something wrong.
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Do reveal the "essence of you" in your writing. Show who you are and how you think.
DON'TS
Don't use unfamiliar words or phrases you wouldn't normally use.
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Don't exaggerate or write to impress your audience.
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Don't shortchange the technical part of the essay. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.
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Don't go into too much detail. Avoid rambling on. Just say what you have to say and conclude.
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Don't have others write your essay for you. It is dishonest and unfair to other applicants.
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Don't be predictable and trite.