I'm sort of stuck on writing those pesky 150-word essays that many college applications ask for. How can one effectively convey their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations within such a tight limit? Any strategies or tips to ace these mini-essays?
First, consider the purpose of these short essays. Schools often use these to see how effectively you can convey a point succinctly and with focus, while also getting a glance at your personality, passions, and values.
Start the process by brainstorming. Identify key points you want to deliver, but remember: brevity is the soul of wit. Stick to one or two main points because you simply don't have room to explore multiple ideas in depth.Next, be specific. Detail trumps generalities. Instead of saying "I love science," say "I spent last summer delving into organic chemistry research to understand how alkyl halides undergo nucleophilic substitution."
Always show, don't tell. Rather than saying "I am a dedicated leader," demonstrate it with an anecdote like "As sophomore class president, I led the charge in organizing our first ever charity drive."
Avoid rambling introductions and conclusions. In a 150 word essay, they eat up precious space. Jump straight into your story or the main point you’re making.
Effective language use is crucial as well. Every word you choose should add value to your narrative. Avoid filler words and phrases. Stay away from cliches or generic statements that could apply to any applicant.Finally, revise! After writing your initial draft, ruthlessly cut unnecessary words or phrases. Ask people to review your work and provide constructive feedback.
Keep it clear, concise, focused, and most importantly, authentic. Good luck with your writing!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.