<p>Any way to show to colleges a mastery of the written word, besides essays?</p>
<p>Win essay contests (try Scholastic Art & Writing), take tough English courses, get a 5 on AP English Lit & Comp, etc...publish a novel if you're really good at it, I guess.</p>
<p>Send a short story to schools that accept additional information.</p>
<p>Agreed with all the above.</p>
<p>But do try to show that you're a master of the written word even in essays -- shows flexibility and talent. You might also supplement contests, etc. with ECs that show a propensity for writing: writing groups, conventions/conferences, and the like.</p>
<p>You could also submit your writing to various publications. That'd be a great thing to put on the app.</p>