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Aspiring college students can expect to do a lot of writing as they travel down the path to college admissions. Many schools require applicants to submit an essay or personal statement. Some schools may have an entire list of separate writing prompts that need to be answered. For example, Princeton University requires five supplemental pieces of writing: one of up to 500 words, one that is up to 250 words, and three short responses of up to 50 words, in addition to an essay that is a mandatory component of the standard application. Princeton also requires applicants submit a graded written paper.
It is never too early for high school students to begin thinking about the college essay experience and start formulating ideas about topics they would like to cover. A vast array of schools utilize the Common Application to receive student applications. The Common Application offers a full set of essay prompts (which remained unchanged for the 2023-2024 academic year) to spark thought. An example of one prompt was: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Students also have the option to share an essay of their choice.
Essay writing is important. The essay should be original and genuine, and applicants can use it to share their voice. Some additional essay-writing tips also can help students stand out.
Choose a topic that is consistent with your authentic self. Select a topic that is consequential and shares much about who you are as a person.
Avoid line after line that seems pulled out of a thesaurus. Rather, choose words you might use in general conversation.
Write about something that is important to you that had a meaningful impact on your life.
Making an admissions officer laugh is a rare feat, and it’s generally best to avoid using one-liners or cliches when writing an admissions essay. However, those who feel that levity is needed and humor indicates who they are as a person can weave it in carefully.
The essay is not a place to list your awards and accomplishments, particularly if they are mentioned elsewhere on the application.
Write a strong opening that draws in the reader. Many admissions personnel are reading scores of essays per day. To ensure they get through yours, you ll need to command their attention.
Answer the prompt accordingly. Avoid incorporating previously written pieces into what the essay prompt is asking. Start fresh on each prompt.
Always proofread and edit, then do it again. Colleges want to see that you can write and that you have command of spelling and grammar.
Make sure you stick to the recommended length.
Essay writing is something that high school students will do with greater frequency as they begin applying to college.
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