In part I, I addressed the overall importance of the college essay and some quick tips. In part II, I discussed the essay topic, and in this final installment, I will touch on writing well. Some previous points will resurface because they are critical and worth repeating. Please read all three blogs; they answer many of the questions you have about this vital component of your application.
Writing well is something few people truly master. Today, some educational pedagogy focuses on volume versus technique and grammar. What I hope to convey is the importance of informing your reader in a way that is insightful, persuasive, and memorable. I believe an unforgettable essay is crucial since admissions counselors will review hundreds or even surpass a thousand applications. The counselors will present each applicant’s case to a committee for a final decision. After reciting standard facts and figures (SAT, Rank, number of AP’s, etc.), how will the counselor frame your application? The essay, if impressive, can animate their recommendation and sway the committee. I know this to be true both as a counselor early in my career and later as a Dean of Admissions and head of the admissions committee.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Nouns and verbs versus adverbs and adjectives – Use as many nouns and verbs as possible. These are the cornerstone of every great essay. Find words that describe your emotions, thoughts or actions. Use adverbs and adjectives sparingly and be careful with stringing a series of adjectives together, i.e., “the vast snow-capped mountaintop view. “
Tip: Read your essay aloud, it will be easier to identify awkward pauses or stumble over a poorly constructed string of adjectives.
Punctuation – Invest in a good grammar book such as Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty or bookmark a favorite website like Englishgrammar101.
Thesaurus – Be careful using a thesaurus. It can be helpful, but I have also seen it overused. For example, here is a sentence:
Without a thesaurus – “My interest in math has sparked an interest in majoring in engineering.”
With a thesaurus – “My inquisitiveness and enthrall with arithmetic is channeling toward a construct of configurations, contraptions, and schemes.”
No one speaks like the example with a thesaurus, but the first sentence lacks punch. Let’s try looking at this option:
“My passion for math has sparked a desire to pursue an engineering degree in college.” This sentence is better than the first and easier to read than the second.
Tip: The thesaurus should be used to simplify a sentence by replacing two or three words with one. Furthermore, your essay needs to be sharp and vivid so using a thesaurus to replace overused or repetitive words is fine, but don’t overdo it.
Simplicity – Your essay should be 500 to 1,000 words. The word count equates to a page or two so your ability to economize is important. Every word must count. You will have an opening paragraph, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It is essential that you strip out words that have less meaning such as “may” or “like.” Remove adverbs and adjectives and replace them with active verbs. For example:
Fair sentence: As senior class president, I did the planning and set-up for the prom.
Better sentence: Elected senior class president, I orchestrated the preparations for the prom.
The rewritten sentence has two fewer words and is more direct and powerful.
Tip: Search on Google for verbs used in resume writing. These lists contain potent verbs that you can use in both your essay and activity list.
The opening paragraph – As I have mentioned, this is the most crucial element of your essay. Ask yourself, “How do I capture the reader’s attention and leave them informed and engrossed?” It is not easy, but you have a few options.
Start with a story – Everyone loves a good anecdote. It must support the thesis of your essay, but if it is clever, funny or moving the reader will remember it. Years ago, a student wrote her essay on laughter and recalled a favorite joke by comedian Brian Regan. When I reviewed the essay, I laughed as well and decided to pause reading applications to view his act on YouTube. To this day, I can still recall her essay and have continued to watch Brian Regan videos.
Set the stage – Provide a vivid image of the subject of your story. Use descriptive language to draw in the reader. Here you can have some liberties with a thesaurus especially with words that are illustrative. An essay I enjoyed reading began with the writer as a junior EMT approaching the scene of an accident. His ability to capture the competing emotions of fear (his first emergency) with calmness (extensive training) painted a haunting yet uplifting opening (the passengers survived the crash).
Begin with a famous quote. This option is most often used; however, I would refrain from using this style unless the choices previously cited do not work. Quotes, I believe, are the work of others and detract from your message. Other readers may view the use of a quote as a crutch. Try to avoid this if possible.
I expounded on this topic by writing three installments because it is essential that you find your voice, tell your story, and inform the reader. The essay is not a hoop to jump through, and it is not meant to inflict emotional pain. Each applicant is unique; therefore, the admissions committee is doing their best to find which students will thrive at their university and become successful alums. The essay will help them and College Selection is here to help you. Email me at collegeselection@yahoo.com. I can help you submit the best college essay possible. Good luck and have fun.
P.S. – Besides making admissions decisions, I also rendered scholarship awards. The scholarship amount offered was subjective and based on the same information supplied by the student for admissions to the college. In many cases, I remember the essay favorably impacting the amount awarded the student.
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