Good vocabulary for essays: Recommendations?

I'm working on my college essays and I want to leave a good impression on the reader. Do you guys have any suggestions on advanced words or phrases that I could use effectively in my essays? Thanks a bunch!

Hey there! It's awesome that you're looking to improve your college essays by using engaging vocabulary. While it's great to use sophisticated language, it's important to prioritize clarity and natural flow in your writing over trying to impress with fancy words. Additionally, make sure your essays still sound like you - not a thesaurus. That being said, I've got some recommendations for you.

1. Transition words and phrases: These can help structure your essay and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs. Examples include: furthermore, however, moreover, in addition, in contrast, on the other hand, and therefore.

2. Precise language: Enhance your essay by replacing general words with more specific and accurate ones. For example, instead of saying "The house was big," you could say "The house was sprawling" or "The house was enormous." Some other examples: "unique" instead of "special," "meticulous" instead of "careful," and "ardent" instead of "passionate."

3. Active voice verbs: Use strong, active verbs to show agency and make your writing more engaging. For instance, instead of saying "The cake was eaten by me," say "I devoured the cake." Other active verbs include: accomplish, demonstrate, analyze, and create.

4. Sensory language: Engage the reader by using words that appeal to the senses. This can help create vivid descriptions and make your essay more memorable. Examples: "The sun blazed," "The wind whispered," or "The aroma wafted."

5. Vocabulary for emphasizing: Identify key points in your essay and use words or phrases to highlight their importance. For example: notably, significantly, crucially, and importantly.

As you implement these suggestions, remember to avoid using words you're not familiar with, as doing so might lead to errors or confuse your readers. The goal is to strike a balance between demonstrating your writing skills and ensuring your essay is easily digestible. Good luck with your essays!