eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Write a Stellar College Application Essay

Member
By lmuram
User-Submitted Article
(0 Ratings)
Write a Stellar College Application Essay
Write a Stellar College Application Essay
Jim Craigmyle/CORBIS

The college application essay can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Learn to write a stellar essay that sets you apart from millions of other applicants.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Computer
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  1. Step 1

    Pick a topic that truly reflects who you are. Write about things that aren't showcased in other areas of your application. Stay away from overused essay topics like "overcoming hardship" or "learning to appreciate other cultures" because they don't come off as unique.

  2. Step 2

    Research the school you're applying to. Schools want students that really want them, and nothing says "I want to go to your school" more than being able to write about school programs and professors that interest you. Even if you do not have to write an essay about why you want to go to school XXXX, chances are you'll have to interview with a representative who can sense your enthusiasm.

  3. Step 3

    Write and edit, edit, edit! Make sure to wait a few days between editing drafts. You'll see mistakes that you normally would not catch and you might even come up with new ideas to add to your essay! While it might seem tedious, great essays can require up to 10 drafts.

  4. Step 4

    Proofread! Even a great essay looks bad if it's full of spelling and grammar errors. Read your essay aloud to make sure your wording is crisp and clear.

  5. Step 5

    Submit your essay, and be proud of your hard work!

Tips & Warnings
  • Start early. It will give you plenty of time to brainstorm and reduce the pressure writing the essay.
  • Ask for help. Friends and family can help you through the writing process by helping you organize your ideas or giving you honest feedback.
  • Stay away from "sample" essays, because you might be tempted to copy them. Your own ideas are the ones admissions officers want to hear!
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Education Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Education