Hey guys, I'm about to start working on my college essays. I'm feeling a little stressed and I want to make sure I'm doing things right. What are some dos and don'ts for writing a strong college essay? Any advice is appreciated!
Do:
1. Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, revise, and polish your essay. This will reduce stress and allow you to develop a stronger essay.
2. Be genuine and authentic: Colleges want to get to know the real you through your essay. Share your unique voice, perspective, and experiences in an honest way.
3. Show, don't tell: Use specific examples, anecdotes, and imagery to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them. This makes your essay more engaging and memorable.
4. Be intentional with your topic: Choose a topic that will highlight your character, values, and interests. Avoid cliches or overused topics, such as sports victories or mission trips.
5. Revise thoroughly: Your first draft won't be perfect. Revise your essay several times and ask for feedback from trusted mentors, teachers, or friends to help you improve.
Don't:
1. Exceed the word limit: Adhere to the given word limit, as it shows that you can follow directions and respect the time of admissions officers.
2. Use overly complex vocabulary: While you want your writing to be polished, avoid using words you wouldn't typically use in conversation. This can make your essay seem unnatural or overly formal.
3. Discuss controversial topics: Steer clear of divisive topics like politics or religion unless they are essential to your identity or directly related to your chosen theme.
4. Rely solely on spell-check: While spell-check is a helpful tool, it's not foolproof. Carefully proofread your essay for grammatical errors, punctuation, and typos.
5. Plagiarize: Your essay should be a reflection of your own thoughts and experiences. Do not copy, paraphrase, or use someone else's work without proper attribution.
Above all, remember that your college essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and growth to admissions officers. Make sure it is a true representation of you and offers insight into what makes you a great fit for their school. Good luck!
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