<p>Hey Everyone, It's that time of the year again: Time to start the application process!
I was wondering if anyone could spare some tips about writing college essays because when I think about the task it seems daunting.
thanks</p>
<p>Have a ball! - [Guide</a> - The App Style](<a href=“http://theappstyle.com/guide/]Guide”>The App Style - A College Application Guide)</p>
<p>The website above is a gem. I also have these little stickies on my laptop screen to remind me when I write (it’s basically a consolidated version of the website):</p>
<p>What do you want to show?
- Have a sense of humor
- Value diversity
- Embrace learning
- Notice the little things
- Are deeply committed to an activity or and idea
- Can overcome adversity
- Have initiative</p>
<p>Avoid showing
- Cynical
- Thinking you are a finished product
- Are likely to turn inward in college
- Are depressed
- Are self-destructive
- Lack integrity
- Tend to blame others</p>
<p>General Tips
- Details: anecdotes, thoughts, observations, specifics
- Telling a story: Concrete observations
- Not too heavy language or else it feels slow</p>
<p>Some really common essays that are a turn-off are the classic:
• I play sports, and I blew the big game, but I worked hard and came back to victory
• I play sports, and now I understand about personal effort and teamwork
• I went to Nicaragua (or Arkansas) and now I realize that there are poor people in the world and I’m very lucky
• My mother/father/aunt/cousin had a dread disease and now I’m going to cure cancer/multiple sclerosis/heart disease
• I most admire my dad because he’s a swell guy and he works hard for our family
• I’ve gone to Israel/Italy/Argentina on vacation and now I understand people of the world
• My family moved when I was 8/10/15 and I had to really define myself</p>
<p>thanks for the help guys I really appreciate it.</p>