<p>I'm an incoming senior with no experience with college applications. I've done some research and know that I need to write application essays. </p>
<p>But how do I start? </p>
<p>Do these essays follow the rubric of the essays in English class?
I read that one should be imaginative. Is there a limit?
What makes a good essay good?
What are some things I should be thinking about or should NOT be thinking about when writing the essay?</p>
<p>Here's a good article to get you started:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.acm.edu/admiss/essay.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.acm.edu/admiss/essay.pdf</a></p>
<p>Here's another article:</p>
<p>The</a> Chronicle: 1/25/2002: The Application Essay</p>
<p>I recommend that you look at a book called 100 Successful College Application Essays. It will give you a better sense of what you're expected to write. </p>
<p>The personal essays don't have to be expository essays, nor should they be. If you are imaginative, be imaginative. You don't want to be so excessive that the essay doesn't really reflect a bit of who you are. You can just tell when you read a good essay. You say to yourself, "Wow, I really would love to meet this person! This person's very interesting." </p>
<p>Some tips:
- Think about the essay as a miniature portrait of you, in writing. It doesn't have to include everything about you. Artists's sef-portraits don't tell you everything about the artist--just a few things, but it's enough to tell you something about the artist. That's sort of what you should try to accomplish in your essay.
- Don't worry too much about how you think your essay will be perceived. Some people worry a lot about whether they sound passionate about academics or their activities and don't even think about writing about anything else.
- Be personal and reflective. Don't be the guy who tries to sound perfect--"Playing chess has taught me many valuable life lessons." "My father taught me how to live ethically and how to guide my life." Those sentences sound so contrived and fake. I mean, how many people would say something like, "Cooking has taught me ethics, time management skills, and good study habits" in a conversation? Would your friends ever say something like that? It's important to be personal and reflective--it should almost sound like you're talking to someone, having a conversation.
- Consider going outside the box. Write something that interests you, and your essay will probably come out as very interesting and enjoyable to read.</p>
<p>I wrote about my desk and what its importance was to me. There are so many ways that topic could lead to the most boring essay ever. I mean, who wants to know what I think about my desk? But I did find my desk important, and I conveyed it in a way that was creative and interesting, and thoughtful, and reflective. I started my essay off with a completely made up scenario (which was obviously made up) and then I went on from there. You don't have to stick to a traditional structure.</p>
<p>Thanks! Also, what do AdComs think about SAT-caliber words?</p>
<p>Don't go Colbert style. In I am America, he writes this essay that 'got him into Dartmouth' (well his TV persona) and he changes every word to an SAT-caliber word. It's hilarious to read. But unless you're going Colbert-style on this, stay within the means of your own vocab.</p>
<p>Seriously though, check out the fake essay! =]</p>
<p>U.Va</a>. Office of Admission Essays</p>
<p>Harry Bauld, On Writing the College Application Essay:</p>
<p>JTeH, just try to write the way you speak. I'm definitely not one of those people who use SAT-caliber words when I speak, so I won't use them when I write. It won't sound natural, which is a bad thing.</p>