Essential strategies for writing a great essay - The essay-writing workshop

Accepted! 50 successful college admission essays - Gen Tanabe, Tanabe Kelly 2008

Essential strategies for writing a great essay
The essay-writing workshop

It would be great if there were a formula for writing a successful college admission essay—20 percent startling personal realization, 30 percent introspection and 50 percent creativity. Unfortunately, there is no such formula. But there are qualities common to all winning essays. After writing our own essays and from speaking with hundreds of admission offi cers and successful applicants, here are the characteristics of a winning essay: Be yourself. It is important to show the admission offi cers the real you—not who you think they want to see. Explain why you think or act the way you do, what drives you or what has moved you. Speak in your own voice and use your own words. Don’t be afraid to write how you really feel. If you have always been jealous of your supermodel pretty sister, say so. It is your true and pure feelings that will make your admission essay stand out.