<p>i know this may seem stupid to many of u....thank god u don't know my real name to actually tell how dumb i might be, but i am unfamiliar with the application process for colleges.</p>
<p>what are the essays used for? is there a topic or something? can they be reused for each school u apply to? </p>
<p>any info on college essays would be appreciated,</p>
<p>streetskillz</p>
<p>An essay allows colleges and scholarship committees to understand you as an individual and how you express yourself. Of any part of the application process, you have the most control over the essay. It is your opportunity to show who you are and what is important to you and why. </p>
<p>Admission officers appreciates essays that are fresh and reflect your interests, ideas, and style. They measure your writing ability from the essay's overall organization and grammatical form. Grammar, clarity, style, and neatness are important ingredients.</p>
<p>The length generally is 1-3 pages. Answer the question posed in a clear, personal, original manner. If you are free to choose your own topic, write about something of importance to you and express yourself sincerely and maturely. </p>
<p>TYPES OF ESSAY QUESTIONS</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Tell us about yourself.</p></li>
<li><p>Write about some of your interests.</p></li>
<li><p>Why do you want to attend this college?</p></li>
<li><p>Use your creativity and/or imagination.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Here are some tips provided to me by a classmate: </p>
<p>WRITING THE ESSAY</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Make a rough draft..... write everything you know about your subject.</p></li>
<li><p>Begin final draft by writing 4 to 5 opening paragraphs .... have parents critique paragraphs to determine which one you should use.</p></li>
<li><p>Make final draft as short as possible saying as much about yourself as possible; "omit needless words".</p></li>
<li><p>Avoid using big words and long sentences.</p></li>
<li><p>Imagine, while writing, an admission officer reading your essay.</p></li>
<li><p>Write what you are about, not what you think the admissions person wants to hear.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t use trite expressions</p></li>
<li><pre><code> Don't whine.
</code></pre></li>
<li><p>No laundry lists.</p></li>
<li><p>Allow yourself to be vulnerable.</p></li>
<li><p>Use humor if you feel comfortable with it.</p></li>
<li><p>Be sure the essay and letter of recommendation are in concert.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Most importantly, ask yourself the question; "Will the person reading my essay know me better after reading my essay?" If you can honestly say yes to this question, your essay or personal statement will have served its purpose.</p>