•  The purpose of a college essay is for admissions people to find out more about who you are and how you are able to write.

•  Most college applications contain very short answer questions, short answer essays, and long answer essays.

•  While student numbers—test scores and grades—are critical factors in the making of admission decisions, essays may be just as important, especially for the more selective colleges.

•  Even if you have great test scores and grades, a poorly written essay can lessen your chances of acceptance. On the other hand, if your numbers are mediocre, but essays are great, your chances of acceptance might be enhanced.

•  The taboo subjects for college essays are sex, your use of alcohol or drugs, personal struggles with eating disorders, suicide, or mental illness; your family’s dysfunction; revelations of stealing or shop-lifting; negative attitudes.

•  Subjects about which admissions people feel burnt out:  Predictable books such as Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby; travelogues; the catch, hit or basket that won the game; wanting to save the world.

•  All good writers make use of other people to give them feedback, edit and proofread their writing. 

•  Many first essays can be recycled to answer other college essay questions. BUT make sure that you edit the essay to fit the question and the college.

The 7 Steps For Writing An Admissions Essay:

1.  Set aside a block of time, in a place that is free of distractions

2.  Identify the question you are going to answer

3.  Brainstorm ideas for a topic to answer the question, looking for a theme or topic that fits the question

4.  Choose a topic

5.  Gather your ideas and materials for the chosen topic

6.  Organize all your random thoughts and write a first draft

7.  Edit, edit, and edit your draft

 

senior year

August
Go to the admissions section of the website for each college to which you plan to apply. Download and print a copy of the application, making note of what the application essays are. Print a copy of the adMISSION POSSIBLE® Master Essay Grid for a way to keep track of your essays.

September

Identify the essay questions for each of your applications and choose a topic for each question. Brainstorm ideas for the topics, including personal stories and anecdotes.

October

Write first drafts, edit (very important!), and complete essays for any early applications.

November

Write first drafts, edit (very important!), and complete essays for any applications with November deadlines.

December

Write or recycle essays for December and January 1, 2 or 3 deadlines

January

Complete or recycle any remaining essays due in January or later

A perfect role for parents to take in the essay phase of college applications is chief brainstormer and note taker during brainstorming sessions. While some parents can also play an editor role, many students do better when someone other than a parent edits their essays. You might want to leave your child's essay editing to teachers, counselors, and friends who are good writers/editors. But that decision is up to your and your teen. And don't forget to tell your kid how much you love him or her.