by APRIL OSBORNE
As many of us know, when it comes to essay writing, students tend to shy away from completing their admissions and scholarship applications because of one or two short essays. Little do they know, this process can be simple and take little time and effort to complete. Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Fast Web and FinAid, writes in his Secrets to Winning a Scholarship “If you have trouble writing essays, try talking out loud. Record yourself as you talk and transcribe the recording. It is also a good way of avoiding writer’s block.”
After students begin writing their essays, it is important that students tell a story, and to make sure they show, don’t tell, in their writing. Admission officers regard essays as a way to evaluate your preferences, values, mental processes, creativity, sense of humor, and depth of knowledge. It is important that students stray away from certain topics such as generalizations about the world or social issues, religious or political viewpoints, how much you love yourself, the importance of a college education, how your hard work paid off or a repeat of your resume. It is important to avoid using fifty words when five will do. Kantrowitz also mentions that giving examples and specifics can have a big impact on whether you win an award or get accepted into school. Since many of our students use the Apply Texas application, we will discuss how you can make your good college admission essay GREAT!
When a student begins writing Essay Topic A, the biggest mistake they make is writing about their mom or grandmother. Admission officers are looking for a unique impactful person. This essay topic is not a biography. Spend about 75% on YOU and how your inspirational person has influenced YOUR life! Your inspirational person is not applying to college, YOU ARE! Answer questions like: How has this person empowered me? What have they done that is inspiring to me? Why is this person so important to my life?
Essay Topic B also poses an academic threat because students are often unaware of issues that surround their generation. You have no idea who the target audience will be. It is important to choose an issue specific to you. Choose something that affects you and your community. Admission officers want to see how passionate you are about the topic you have chosen. The biggest mistake students make on this topic is choosing a subject they know little about or something they cannot adequately cover in two pages double spaced. Choose something local instead of a global issue.
Essay Topic C is one of the most highly regarded essay topics. Essay Topic C is a chance for students to show admissions something about themselves that is not revealed throughout the application process. This is a way to show admissions you are more than a test grade or an academic record; however, you are a person with many facets. Many students do not feel their obstacles or opportunities are worth talking about. When in fact, topic C will help them receive more scholarship money and admittance into universities. This essay gives admissions officers a window into your soul and what makes you the person you are. If they can see your true identity, they know you will be committed to creating a diverse learning environment.
Essay writing is necessary skill for college admission and scholarships. Essays can reveal many wonderful things about you that may not be presented in your application. You can show examples or give specifics about yourself and your experiences to make you a more interesting candidate. Your essay may be the one thing that sets you apart from the many applicants, so make sure your essay is an enjoyable read!
