Writing an Admission Essay

 

Starting Your Essay

Be certain you understand the question or topic. Your essay should speak directly to the topic or answer the question.

Be creative. Jot down all ideas and don't pre-censor yourself

Prioritize your ideas. Be selective as you probably don't have room to cover everything you considered.

Select thoughts/ideas and informational items which are not dealt with in other areas of your application.

Remember your audience! Be persuasive in demonstrating to the reader that you are deserving of admission.

Writing the Draft - Apply those skills you learned in your English classes

Develop paragraphs, one idea at a time, with topic sentences, using examples or giving convincing reasons.

Make smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Use action verbs and try to avoid the passive voice.

Use concrete examples. Examples of behavior frequently demonstrate an idea better than an adjective.

Develop exact, concrete language. Avoid vague references, wordy usage, and/or clichès.

Editing Your Draft

Does your introduction reach out and grab the reader's attention?

Is your use of verb tense consistent?

Have you been clear and consistent?

Is the essay concise enough to meet length limits?

Have you double-checked for grammatical and spelling errors? Remember that the spell checker on your trusty computer may not see any difference in meaning when it checks "to", "too", or "two".

Does the essay present you as you wish to be seen?

Have you had another person review your essay for possible errors?

Would you take special note of and remember this essay if you had read 100 others?

Does your closing paragraph present you as you wish to be remembered by the readers?

Completing Your Essay

Some applications indicate a preference for typed or handwritten work.  The application should be neat and legible. Keep in mind that you may find it easy to read your own handwriting, but is it that easy for someone else to read?

Keep a copy for your records.