70 likes | 426 Views
Writing a College Essay. Writing a College Essay. Pick a topic- What’s the point of your essay? The essay should answer the question given and be written in an interesting way. The Essay- Your Opportunity to Sell Yourself. Intro- * Start with a strong clear opener that grabs the reader.
E N D
Writing a College Essay • Pick a topic- What’s the point of your essay? • The essay should answer the question given and be written in an interesting way.
The Essay- Your Opportunity to Sell Yourself Intro- * Start with a strong clear opener that grabs the reader. *Set up your thesis (your topic) with the opener. Body- *Usually have 1- 3 paragraphs tight and focused. *Each paragraph should have an intro and concluding sentence with clear transitions between. *Make sure each paragraph has a clear point. Make sure each paragraph clearly relates to one another. Conclusion- Do not start your conclusion with “ In conclusion” *Your conclusion can be the moral of the story/ implication of the essay. *Be brief *Tie back to the audience/ show how you will thrive at their school.
THINGS TO REMEMBER: • This is your chance to stand out • Proves your writing skills (one of the most important skills in college). • Make the common topic unique to you. • BIGGIE- It’s all about you and who knows you better than you?
COMMON MISTAKES: • Poor proof reading- do not rely on spell check • Look for common version mistakes your/ you’re • Don’t use a quote for no reason; it makes you seem lofty but no one will be impressed
COMMON MISTAKES cont. • Don’t use too many big words. Your essay needs to be conversational. If you have a good word, use it. If you have to use a thesaurus skip it. • Not adapting your essay for the college you’re sending it to. Make sure that you reference something about the school you are sending your essay to.
BRAINSTORMING: • Develop 3 lists of ten things about you. • Set 1- Ten things nobody knows about me (serious/funny/silly). If you know the topic of the essay, center your list around it. • Set 2- Ten things your good/bad at. (Try to make a negative a positive) • Set 3 Ten things you want to get out of college. (Don’t state the obvious- everyone wants a good education. ) Be specific to each college.