A college admissions essay is your opportunity to show in writing why you are an ideal candidate.
A college admissions essay is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences as well as your writing. It is also an opportunity to explain in a professional manner any possibly negative issues on your transcript. A well-written admissions essay can set your application apart from the many others the admissions board receives. It is relatively simple to write, and the structure is easy to understand.
Paragraph 1
The first paragraph in your essay should grab your readers' attention in an appropriate manner. You should include something personal as well as something that relates to the specific school to which you are applying. Use the first sentence to establish the tone and feel of your essay as well as to spark your readers' interest. The following sentences should introduce your three main points, or the three main reasons you are an ideal candidate for admission. If your school asks you to answer a specific question, or prompt, you should address that in the first paragraph.
Paragraph 2
The second paragraph is an exploration of your first main point. Use at least one specific example to support your point. The first sentence should create an easy transition from your first paragraph to your second paragraph. The following sentences should strongly establish your first main point clearly.
Paragraph 3
The third paragraph should explore your second main point. If your school provides a prompt, remember to continue to address it throughout your essay. The first sentence should gracefully tie together the second paragraph and the third, and introduce your second main point. Use the following sentences to provide specific evidence to support your point.
Paragraph 4
The fourth paragraph should explore your third and final main point, or the third reason you are an ideal candidate for admission. As in the second and third paragraphs, use the first sentence as a transition between the third and fourth paragraph and as an introduction to your final point. Use the remaining sentences to illustrate your point with concrete examples.
Paragraph 5
The final paragraph of your essay is very important. In this paragraph, bring together all the separate but related points to convincingly reiterate your argument. Your argument, regardless of the specific prompt, is that you are the ideal candidate for this college or university. The final paragraph should maintain the tone you set in your first sentence and gracefully conclude all your main and supporting points. By the end of the essay, your reader should easily be able to see your points, and, ideally, will be convinced by your writing that you are the perfect candidate for admission to the college of your choice.
Tags: first sentence, main point, ideal candidate, your essay, your first, admissions essay