I'm looking for advice on starting my college essays. Writing isn't my strongest skill, and I'm worried my essay won't stand out. Any tips on brainstorming ideas or structuring my thoughts to make the process smoother?
The first step in the college essay writing process is to understand the prompt. The prompt often contains clues about what the college values and is interested in learning about you. Is it showing leadership? Expressing empathy or various personal qualities? Demonstrating intellectual curiosity? Decoding the prompt will help you figure out what to focus on.
Then, let's move to brainstorming. One technique is to consider significant moments or experiences in your life. Rather than making these large, grandiose circumstances (most seventeen-year-olds haven't won a Nobel prize!), make them moments that were profoundly impactful or transformed you in some way. For instance, you might consider a special relationship with a grandparent, or a random incident on a school trip that suddenly changed your perspective on something.
Another brainstorming technique is the "21 Details" exercise. List 21 details about yourself - they can be as small as your favorite book or as big as a life-altering event. This exercise helps surface interesting facets of your life and personality that you might not normally think about but could be fodder for a unique, engaging essay.
Once you've come up with some intriguing ideas, pick one or two that resonate with you and align with the prompt (if given). Molding a meaningful narrative from a simple experience often makes for a compelling essay. It helps to have a specific focus and a story to tell, rather than trying to summarize your entire life or personality.
Planning and drafting an outline for your essay's structure can also substantially ease your writing process. The classic structure of Introduction, Body, and Conclusion often works well, but feel free to experiment with narrative devices, such as in-media-res or flashbacks.
When it comes to writing, remember that your primary goal is to engage your reader. To do so, employ vivid and specific details, maintain a genuine and sincere tone, and lean into emotions and reflections. Show, don't tell, your reader about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Lastly, edit, review, and revise. This step is where you refine language, fix grammar, fine-tune your story, and ensure that your essay presents you authentically and positively. It may be helpful to have a trusted teacher, counselor, or adult review your essay for feedback.
It's natural to feel some anxiety about your essay, but remember, it's your story and nobody can tell it better than you! Your unique perspective is what will make your essay stand out. Achieving a polished essay takes time, patience, and a willingness to adapt and rework your initial thoughts, so be sure to start early enough to fully engage in the process. Good luck!
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