The college essay is an important part of the college admissions process. Numbers like SAT scores and grade-point averages may qualify students as candidates for admission, but personal considerations like activities, recommendations and the admission essay are often the difference between acceptance and rejection. There are many ways to write an effective essay, but there are certain pitfalls and tips that you should consider to improve your essay.
Topic
Admission essays are often very short---between one and two pages---so it is essential to pick a focused topic with a clear thesis. The purpose of the essay is to display both your writing skills and to add personality to your admission package. Topics that are personal and can differentiate you from other applicants can work well. It is also important to pay attention to the topic requirements of the specific school you are applying to. Some schools accept general essays on a variety of topics, while others might require an essay on a specific topic or that answers specific questions. Failing to adhere to the essay guidelines requested by a school may hurt your application.
Proofreading
Spelling or grammatical errors in an essay are likely to be an immediate turn off for admissions staff. Proofread your essay thoroughly and give the essay to at least one other person to check for errors. An English teacher or parent will often be willing to serve as a proofreader. If you make major additions or changes to your essay, have the new essay proofread again. It is easy to introduce new errors when making changes.
Formatting
The formatting of your college essay may seem like a minor issue, but it is important not to let something small stand in the way of the success of your essay. Read the formatting requirements of each school you are applying to and make sure your essay meets the school's criteria. Typically, an essay should be printed on plain white paper, double-spaced, with a font type around 12. Don't try to add frills to your essay by using special paper or formatting: let the words speak for themselves.
Other Tips
Writing in a focused and concise manner will help you get your point across within the allotted word or page limit for your essay. Avoid using unnecessary words and complex language when simple words will suffice.
Your essay should display the enthusiasm you have for attending and the topic that is your focus. Colleges want optimistic students who are hungry to learn.
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