If you’re wondering how to write a college application essay, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Start your essay during the summer before your senior year. The year after college can be a blur and you’ll likely have no time to write a decent essay. To avoid this, it’s best to start the essay as early as August. Start by making an ongoing list of topics you’re interested in writing about, then draft an essay in a separate document. Copy and paste that draft to the Common Application when you’re finished.
Mindmap
A mind map is a great way to organize your thoughts. Basically, a mind map is a graphic representation of ideas. This method is artistic and analytical, and it works to bypass blocks caused by over-analytical thinking. Mind maps help you organize your ideas, clarify your thinking, and recognize connections among ideas. They’re great for planning, but they don’t have to be perfect. Here’s how to use one to write an effective college application essay:
Polling circles
A great way to illustrate a point is by polling friends and family. Ask each of them to describe one trait of yours and select the one they find most frequent. The results of the poll might surprise you, but there are plenty of possible explanations for the answers. If you can draw parallels between the results of the poll, you are more likely to find the right words to use in your college application essay.
Adjectives quiz
Aside from using a personal statement, you can also write about your best traits. Try polling family and friends to identify traits you possess. Select the ones that come up the most often. If you are able to get similar stories from each individual, you will have a more descriptive essay. Here are some ideas for adjectives you can use in your college application essay. If your close friends and family members don’t know you well enough to describe your best qualities, ask them what they admire about you.
Approaching the subject from a unique angle
When writing a college application essay, you may want to approach the subject from a different angle. The word angle is similar to premise in books, handle in advertisements, concept in movies, and controlling idea in essays. Writing about your interests can help you show your passion for a topic and highlight your achievements. There are three areas to consider when writing an essay that showcases your passions.
Using a strengths quiz
Taking a strengths quiz can help you identify and highlight your natural abilities and skills. You can then brainstorm events that have used these abilities. Your essay should discuss how each of these strengths has contributed to your success as a student. College admissions boards read through hundreds of applications, so make sure to conclude your essay with a memorable conclusion. A well-written college application essay is an important part of your overall application.
Writing from a specific angle
When you are thinking about writing a college application essay, you should focus on a certain period in your life, an event or a piece of your childhood. By doing this, you will be able to provide your reader with a unique look at you. Moreover, you can ask others about your unique traits. This will spark your imagination and help you come up with interesting topics. This will also help you come up with a new idea for your essay.