February 23, 2012

How to Write a College Admission Essay that Stands Out

UK Universities Clearing Admissions 2006 Image  52

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College admission essay serves as an applicant’s personal statement. It is autobiographical and, therefore, easy to write. However, when there are thousands of students applying to the same college as you are, a quality college admission essay that captures the selectors’ interest is essential. It should appeal to the hearts and minds of your readers, compelling them to read the essay from the first to the last word.  You don’t need to use big words to make an impact on your readers. What’s more important is that you deliver your statements in a clear, concise, and confident manner. The purpose of colleges requiring admission essay from applicants is to know the person better behind the application. Emphasize your unique skills and strengths and never include skills you do not possess. The Admissions Board will know if you’re faking it, so be yourself.

Simply describing an event in your life or personal experience is not enough. The Admissions Board will look for a certain level of maturity in an applicant, and this can be expressed by your insight into the experience. You need to show how you have grown and reached greater self-awareness through the experience in your essay.

Lastly, be very specific. As with other types of writing, clichés, generalizations and abstractions are a big no-no. The college admission essay is no different. Letting your strengths unfold in the details is more effective, more moving than simply enumerating them. Remember, if you want to stand out from the rest, include particulars in your life that showcases your strength and skills. The particulars in your life are what make you distinct and unique.

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Preparing Your Portfolio for College Admission

Everyone knows going to college is essential these days in order to be competitive in the work force. With more people going to college, getting into the college of your choice and earning the scholarships to get there is more and more competitive as well. Applying for college can sometimes seem like a job in and of itself! Thankfully, there are people who are experts in developing a winning college admission portfolio.

Knowing What Admissions Officers Want

Getting high GPAs is not all that most colleges want anymore; in fact, some don’t want students with 4.0′s anymore. Knowing what colleges want is half of getting accepted. You also need to highlight the specific areas of your qualifications to make your application standout in the crowd of applicants.

Writing the All-Popular Admission Essay

Most colleges now require an admissions essay. Sometimes it will be one or two pages, or it might only be 700 to 1,000 words. That isn’t a lot of space to let them know how wonderful you are and how much you can do for their college! Getting help with college admission essays is essential in getting accepted to your college choice. Many scholarships require essays as well, so having a good proofreader or editor on your team is a great asset.

Looking for and applying for scholarships can start as soon as the sophomore year in high school. One girl made it her hobby and had more than $200,000 in scholarship money by the time she graduated from high school! It sure alleviates lots of worry when college is paid for before you start!