My College Options

My College Options TYPICAL ESSAYS REQUIRED MAJOR ESSAY , YOUR ACADEMIC INTEREST, YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITY, and WHY THIS UNIVERSITY THE BEST FOR YOU The most important element in each essay you write is YOU! It is YOU that the admission’s committee is trying to evaluate. Therefore, what better way to communicate the very essence of you than by writing an original and truly impressive college essay. GUIDELINES Take TIME … time to explore ideas, think about your many choices, and time to write and re-write. If you are asked to limit your response to 300 or 500 words stay within these parameters. Create an essay that can be modified and used for several different schools. Think about the things your have read and enjoyed. Writing is usually interesting because of details, not generalities. You are answering his question; write in a direct and personal manner. In addition to always answering the question, follow any other specific instructions. For example, if you are asked to use ‘only the space provided do just that. Put the reader in medias res, that is, in the middle of things. Place the reader in the middle of something happening or in the middle of a conversation. If you have participated in a meaningful community service project, make it come to life with specific examples. Give people names, describe places, and relate feelings. Real people read your words, and your words must reflect a real person, not a dictionary. Don’t attempt to be funny when you have never written a funny essay in your life. While it is good strategy to adapt your essay to fit several essays, be certain to answer the exact question asked. Don’t count the words unless it is necessary to do so. If you have not engaged the curiosity of the reader after the first sentence, you are in trouble. Remember that you are actually engaging the reader in a one-way conversation. The technical and grammatical aspect of every essay must be perfect. Grammar, spelling, usage, and vocabulary should be correct. You will be evaluated on whether or not you answer the question that is posed on that particular application. Any reference you make to literature, current events, historical events, must be absolutely accurate. Avoid political opinions, religious references, ethnic references or unacceptable language. You can complete your application form in an hour or two. Writing your major essay and several auxiliary ones takes many hours. If your write a comical, ironical, or satirical essay, be sure that you show a serious or thoughtful side of yourself as well. This is definitely not the time to take a risk. If possible, use ANECDOTES, or examples, when you write your essay. When you write about a person that influenced your life, tell a real story.