How To Write Your College Admission Essay

How To Write Your College Admission Essay I started reading more actively, highlighting and noting in the corners. Describing tone, syntax, and diction, a task once painful for me, became simple as I practiced sub-vocalization. I simply slowed down and tried to hear the words in my head. I once condemned poetry as a pretentious and boring, but I realized I was reading poetry completely wrong. You have to slow down to appreciate how the words sounds, how they flow into each other and then slowly drift away. Others will ask you to tell your story and how it led you to university. No matter what the university asks you to write in your submission, remember that admissions officials are not simply looking for your ability to use big, frilly words. So, I always suggest to them that they start early, but that also, they take their time. If they start in late June, they’ve got plenty of time to get it done before school starts, without dedicating their entire summer to writing. Instead, break the essay into parts â€" brainstorm topics one week, write an opening paragraph the next week. Another way to think about an essay topic is to think about those small moments that might even seem mundane on the surface, but that have had a big impact on their life. Describe a moment where it may seem that nothing exciting was happening to an outside observer, but that meant a great deal to the student. The idea behind the essay is for colleges to be able to learn something about the student that they couldn’t have learned through the rest of the application. The essay is where the college can discover what makes this particular student unique and interesting. Sadly, many students tear their ACL each sports season and then have to rehab it. Many students have volunteered in various ways, even in other countries. Having a Christian college education is important to many students not just because of their personal faith, but can also be an important basis for their future career. Students who felt that there was a lack of a Christian presence in their high school might also be looking for a more faith-based environment. Start early.Make a list of the number of essays you need to write and their deadlines. Give yourself plenty of time to think through the topics and brainstorm writing points. Some universities will give you specific prompts to answer. In your essay, remember to be yourself and speak in your voice. Know that many top-tier admissions essays have gone through 7-10 drafts before you have had a chance to read them. I encourage kids to think about writing their essay as though they’re describing a snapshot in time. They need to think about those snapshots that have defined them. The following week, write the body of the paper, or even start over if the opening paragraph just doesn’t work for them. After writing the rough draft, let the essay sit for a week or so, and then go back to polish it. For the first time I could remember, a book had challenged me. Whatever the reason, students can mention that these values align with their personal values. It’s also a good idea to tie in your own experience with your college. What experiences have you had so far with the college that have moved you? This could include a positive story from a campus visit or phone conversation with a university staff member. A good way to tie this into your essay is to focus on your school’s motto. Southeastern University’s motto is “Transforming minds. Engaging culture.” This means that our focus is on educating students to become influential, active members of society and giving them a Christ-centered foundation.