Writing The College Essay

Writing The College Essay Start by creating a ‘headline’ for each of your target schools. Summarize, in 1 or 2 sentences, what you think the unique fit is between yourself and the school. Treat these sentences as a hypothesis you need to prove. Sit down and write about a project that you’re proud of. Talk about organizing an event or participating in a community service project that opened your eyes. While I did homework, I nervously awaited my dad’s return; he had always been a tyrant. If he entered silently, I would know to steer clear. If he was loud and boisterous, I could manage a Baba hao in Mandarin. I stressed at every grunt he made, cringed at the sound of his voice, and flinched every time he raised his hand. From the change in weight I feel in a moving elevator, to the chemical reactions that cause the plastic stars in my room to glow, science is a field that permeates every single aspect of life. I know my curiosity to understand the world around me nurtures my love for science. It is what motivated me to read about 2D kinematics to win a projectile motion challenge, and understand the chemistry behind qualitative analysis of cations for a lab. Action taken, related it back to your own experience. This is what I’d consider “bare minimum” for making a solid point as to why you and a school are a good fit. Once you figure out which question you want to answer, meaning you really have something to say or you’re somewhat excited to respond, start writing. Students applying to us will see questions along those lines, or should be astute enough to find opportunities to provide connections to those concepts. Every school has these, you just have to dig deeper at some places. What will the reader learn about me from this tragic incident or experience? (Ideally, that you are strong, able, and well-adjusted). If they see it as a speech, they think they aren’t up to the task; if they see it as one more English assignment, they’re sure they don’t want to do the task. We started his essay with an anecdote that set the mood and tone, while sharing information about him and his family. Remember, admission officers use your essay to try and learn about your passions, character, and values. Only pick a topic that can reveal your best traits and personal growth. These papers, which usually clock in around 700 words, are designed to add some color to your transcript, which is pretty much all numbers and facts. I was a prisoner in my own home and felt like livestock, bred to be a source of income for my parents’ future comfort. If I failed or proved unpromising, I feared I would be slaughtered. The random movements of my dance perfectly showed the former “brokenness” of my life. The relief Bboy had given me that afternoon faded as I came home. Type up an honest page about someone you admire or the moment you discovered your favorite word or why you don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese. Even very simply put, you can find patterns in your own behavior. Categorizing the charity or community service events you’ve participated in can also shed light on what you should write about. If you’re dead-set on a specific major, you can trace back where your interest began. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the mindset ofthis-must-be-donethat we forget the primary reason for the presence of a personal essay. Since I don’t work for the schools he’s applying to, I told him to research their websites, social media, and literature and pay attention to themes, key messages, and mission statements. At Tech we focus on our motto of Progress and Service and improving the human condition. Teachers, friends and parents can all be helpful proofreaders, but experts note that the student voice should remain intact. Everything I could ever want to know and more is right at my fingertips. Instead, make a few well chosen points and back them up. What are the two or three things you, personally, MOST need from a college? This, by the way, is ALSO the reason nobody can do this work for you. Ultimately, you’re the one who really knows your priorities and the things you most need in order to grow.