College essays are a more important part of the application than some schools might admit. There are those who even say that they could tip the scales in favor of your acceptance or rejection. They provide a story about you that goes beyond your grades and test scores. They tell a college what makes you different from every other applicant.
You have worked hard to have a good GPA, participated in extracurricular activities, studied hard to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Now you need to write compelling college applications with essays that will help you stand out.
Admissions officers want to learn about you and your writing ability. You must develop your own voice and tell your story, not the story you think they want to hear. Don't try to be someone or something you are not, but give the admissions committee a reason to remember you.
Sometimes students try too hard to find a topic they think college admissions officers want to read about. Frequently, they have difficulty connecting to that topic and the essays turn out to be flat and boring. It is important for students to stay focused and be personal and to use their own thoughts and words.
Writing about yourself is not easy for anyone, especially teenagers. But by coming up with your own prompts, you may find a few suggestions that will give you some ideas. How do you do that? By finding a topic that only you can develop and make it yours.
Your college essays should be genuine, heartfelt and detailed enough to evoke emotion from your readers. So where do you begin? Let's think of some questions to get you started:
1. What adjective(s) would be used by your friends or family to describe you?
2. What non-academic things have you done that you are most proud of?
3. What piece of music could be your theme song?
4. How has your family or neighborhood shaped you to be the kind of person you are today?
5. Find a meaningful photograph. Why is it important to you?
Now, consider each of these questions and brainstorm as many ideas as you can. Which ones lead to specific experiences that would be meaningful to a college admissions committee? Which topics will not repeat information that is listed on another part of your college applications?
Choose a topic you can elaborate on and one which you know will enable you to write a unique essay. Can you see how you could develop supporting paragraphs and concrete details on any of these topics? Can you make this essay interesting and will you create a lasting impression with the college admissions officers who read it?
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/college-essays-great-ideas-for-college-applications-3411299.html#ixzz11YmJUR9Y
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
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