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TIPS FOR WRITING COLLEGE ESSAYS
Information taken from Joseph Hill, Director, College Placement
Services of New England
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Organization and neatness are critical! It is a good idea to write a thesis
statement before beginning. A thesis statement is the main statement or idea
you want to make about yourself in the essay. Never stray from your
statement. Use good paragraph development and grammar, and have no spelling
mistakes. Strive for an eye-catching opening and a conclusion that
illuminates your personality. Narrow your topic. Essays should be no more
than two pages, with one page being preferable. Instead of writing about "my
experience as an actor," you should write about one character you portrayed
and what you learned from the experience.
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Be Unique! If after reading your essay you can honestly say that no one else
in the world could write it - you have a unique work. To accomplish this,
consider writing about personal experiences, family members, etc., if the
essay topic allows for this. Again, if the essay allows, avoid trendy or
current topics that are widespread in the news or thrown around freely at
school. Make your topic stand out and be different.
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Be open and revealing! Express true feelings, and be sincere and honest. You
need to show things about yourself, not just tell. Actions speak louder than
words.
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Humor is always welcome! However, don't use humor unless you are good at it.
Nothing falls flatter than a funny essay that isn't funny. Also, don't be
cynical or sarcastic, be appropriate.
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If you choose a controversial topic, state it calmly and offer constructive
ideas. Do not get ful or angry. Be positive and address all sides of the
argument, not just your own. Don't appear as a know-it-all or as a frustrated
person, or dwell on sadness or melancholy.
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Do not brag or blatantly promote yourself. No "chest-beating". Of course,
you have to tell about yourself and your accomplishment, awards, and
activities. However, state them in a factual manner, not as a conceited,
cocky person.
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Do not be afraid to write about personal shortcomings or experiences from
which you learned a lesson. Turning a negative into a positive is a sign of
maturity.
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Possibly consider something a little daring. Some students prefer to write a
poem instead of an essay. That's acceptable as long as it fulfills all the
requirements of the essay. Remember you want to separate your essay from the
hundreds of other essays in the admissions / scholarship office. Pay close
attention to the instructions. If creativity is encouraged or invited,
indulge.
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Don't write an academic paper. Stay away from topics designed to show your
knowledge. Again, unless the essay directions state otherwise, the essay is
about you.
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Avoid procrastination! Think and plan your essay early. Then writing the
essay can be enjoyable, challenging and stress-free. Also, remember,
deadlines are critical!
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