How do I approach the college writing process?

Writing is not my strongest skill, and I'm nervous about the essays I'll need to write for college applications. What steps should I take in the writing process for college essays to make them strong?

Writing college essays can seem like a daunting task, especially when it's not your strongest suit. But don’t worry, with an organized approach, you can put forward strong essays. Here's a suggested process:

1. Understand the Prompt: This might seem obvious, but don't rush. Spend time understanding what the college seeks in a response. Are they interested in your leadership skills, creativity, initiative, empathy, or resilience?

2. Brainstorm: This gives you a pool of ideas which you can then narrow down to the most compelling one. During brainstorming, consider experiences or observations that are unique to you and tie closely to the prompt.

3. Create an Outline: A well-organized essay is much easier to follow and leaves a stronger impression. Start with an engaging introduction that hints at the thesis of your essay. The main body of your essay should then illustrate this thesis, often through a narrative or detailed examples, before you wrap up with a conclusion that summarizes your argument and ties back to the introduction.

4. Write the First Draft: Once the outline is ready, write your first draft. Don't worry too much about perfecting it in this stage. In this round, focus mainly on getting your ideas on the paper.

5. Revise and Edit: This step is vital. After writing, take a step back, take a short break, and come back for revision with fresh eyes. When revising, focus on the flow of ideas, ensuring each paragraph builds off the previous one and that your overall message is clear. It's also crucial to check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

6. Get Feedback: Find a teacher, mentor, parent, or friend who can provide helpful feedback on your essay. They can offer insights on clarity, effectiveness, and whether the essay has answered the prompt.

7. Finalize: Use the feedback to make final revisions, ensure correct grammar, and streamline your language.

When deciding on a topic, remember to pick experiences that are unique to you and help to illustrate who you are as a person. Avoid common cliche topics like sports victories or "my trip to a foreign country changed my perspective." Instead, give a unique insight into your life, your passions, or the way you think.

Lastly, remember, authenticity is key. Admission officers read thousands of essays and can tell when a student is being insincere. Therefore, let the real you shine through the essays.