Consider writing down a list of ideas that come to you after you read the question or prompt. Once you’ve written your list, look it over and see which topics or ideas jump out at you as something you could write about. Some colleges or programs will give you several questions or prompts to choose from, or even give you the option of responding to more than one prompt. Choose the question(s) that you think you can answer the most effectively. Some places like the Common App will release the essay prompts from previous years, if you want to get an idea of what topics you might be asked to write about. [1] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
If you have to write 2 essays from very similar prompts or questions, it’s okay to reuse ideas or modify a previous draft. Just make sure that your essay effectively addresses all aspects of the prompt.
For example, maybe you’re a creative thinker, or a great problem-solver. Emphasize this in your essay by writing about a time that those qualities helped you in your day-to-day life.
Try to consolidate all your experiences into a resume or brag sheet. Then, break them down by how much time you spent with the organization or project. When did you start? Finish? What were your accomplishments? Your tasks and responsibilities? What were some of your successes and challenges?[5] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. Reflecting on those experiences will give you ideas for creative, unique ways you can portray them to admissions officers. [6] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
For example, you could tell a story that illustrates how much you enjoy helping take care of others as a way to explain why you want to do a pre-med major. You could also explain how you overcame a particular fear.
If you’re not sure how to start this type of narrative/personal essay, you can look some examples up online to give you an idea of what you should be shooting for.
For example, your essay might focus on a situation where you found yourself questioning or challenging one of your own beliefs. Recount an incident in your life when this happened to you, and reflect on how the experience changed you. Start with a few lines that introduce the topic of your essay in a compelling and personal way.
For example, maybe your essay is on how you’re pursuing biology because you’ve always been interested in how things grow and survive in adverse conditions. You could say something like, “Watching grass grow is the most boring thing most people can think of. I love it. ”
For example, avoid saying things like “dream come true,” “long story short,” or “outside my comfort zone. " Many, many people will use these phrases over and over, and relying on them prevents you from using your own words to describe your experience and feeling. [10] X Research source
You might find it helpful to start with an outline listing the major points you want to cover.
For example, don’t just say “I love being in leadership positions. ” Instead, give examples of when you’ve been the leader in groups or taken the lead in situations with other people.
For example, if you’re writing about a time when you helped a friend through the loss of a parent, part of your essay will obviously be sad. But you can also strike a positive tone by saying something like “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and it changed my friend in a lot of ways. But I also learned that you can never take a single day for granted and what it means to really be someone’s friend. "
For example, you might say, “I’ve known that I want to go to college for engineering ever since I went on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in fourth grade. I’m always happiest when I’m working on a technical problem or surrounded by people who share my passion. When I toured the Big State U. robotics lab last month, I felt like I was home. ”
For example, maybe you started your essay by talking about how a teacher inspired your love for a particular subject. You might end by sharing something meaningful that that teacher said to you, or briefly summarizing how you grew as a person after taking their class.
For example, write your admissions essay on a Saturday morning and then don’t look at it again until Sunday or Monday night. After writing it, you’ll have a better idea of what you actually wanted to say. It will be obvious after some time away where you’re saying what you mean and what areas need work.
You can also ask someone else to proofread your essay for you. Asking a teacher, parent, or older sibling is probably the best way to go, since they might be more familiar with what’s expected from college admissions essays. [17] X Research source
For example, instead of saying “I want to tell you about the process I went through to decide to become a doctor,” you could say, “I want to share how I decided to become a doctor. " In addition to excessive wordiness, check for unnecessary tangents. When you’re drafting your essay, you may end up adding things you didn’t originally plan on. Go through your essay and make sure these points serve the main purpose of your essay. If not, take them out.
Make sure you’re replacing your original vocabulary with words that mean the same thing. Different words have different connotations, and not every suggestion from the thesaurus will have the exact meaning you’re looking for.
