Getting a higher education is difficult enough, but the first step of applying can sometimes be the worst part. Colleges often require an essay where the applicant shows their achievements and philosophy through either a set topic or letter of motivation, but writing that kind of essay can be a daunting and stressful task. While everyone is unique and will take a different approach, here are some tips anyone can use that will make any essay shine.
Find your brand
Most people applying to college will have a similar skill-set, education level, and goal in mind. So setting yourself apart from the first sentence is the key to grabbing the attention of whoever will be reading the essay. One way of keeping your essay direct and interesting from the first word until the last is to have a clear vision. In order to write an essay that will sell you as an individual and set yourself apart, it is important to know yourself. Find three or more characteristics that not only describe you but describe your approach to higher education. This will give the reader a good idea of where you are now and where you want to go – without making the essay a long-winded biographical story. One way to find characteristics that set you apart is to think about how you would describe yourself or even ask close family and friends what words they would use to describe you. With every personality trait you name, use a life experience as evidence of how it is positive. For instance, if you state that you are dedicated then prove it by naming any achievements that took time and effort.
Be authentic
One surefire way to avoid plagiarism and set yourself apart from other applicants is to be as authentic as possible. The college you will be applying to is likely to get hundreds of essays that may sound the same. This is because many people tend to write what they think the colleges want to hear, rather than showing themselves in a genuine way. This does not mean dedicating an entire paragraph to all your flaws and failures but is more about the tone of your writing. If humor is your strong suit, be formal but lighthearted. If you consider yourself a great philosopher, don’t be scared to speak about what inspires you. Whilst it is tempting to present yourself as a perfect individual, humility and creativity can go further then what you may think.
Proofread and edit
Writing the content of an essay is often considered the main task, but grammar and spelling have to be perfect too. After all, the goal is to show the college you want to go to that you are smart and diligent, so a punctuation mark out of place can make a huge difference. Proofreading and editing your essay is just as important as writing it, since catching any mistakes before you submit it will make a significant impact on your chances of getting into the college. Whilst you want to remain true to yourself, it’s best to do so using perfect punctuation and grammar. If you battle to find any mistakes in your essay, make sure to double-check by asking a friend to check for you. It would be a huge shame if a great essay is spoilt by bad grammar.
While these tips alone cannot guarantee admission into the college of your dreams, they certainly will help make your essay stand out. At the end of the day, this is a step towards a bright future, so believe in yourself and you can make it happen!
