<p>My best subject is writing, and I would like to major in something writing-related. I am also, of course, trying for Ivies. What I was wondering was the best ways to show colleges my passion for writing. My grades in English classes are great, i got a 750 on the PSATS (I haven't taken the SATs yet (I will be a junior next year), but I expect to do even better on the SATs), and I expect my essay to be very good. So, how could I show my passion for writing? Any clubs other than newspaper that you guys can think of? Any essay contests (links please)?</p>
<p>In addtional to turning out a great essay, getting something published would be a great way to show your passion and talent. Also maybe doing some writing-related internship, such as for a newspaper or magazine or publisher.</p>
<p>The above suggestions are great. You may also want to try creating your own creative writing club at school. There are tons of essay contests. Check out fastwebs.com</p>
<p>Friendly heads up: I also got a 750 on the PSAT writing, but was never able to break 710 on the SAT WR section. I am a good writer (per all of my english teachers, and 5's on both AP English exams), but in 25 minutes, my writing suffered a bit...I got a 10 on the essay, which certainly isn't bad, but that coupled with the fact that I am not a grammar natural kept me from scoring really well on the SAT WR section. So...yeah. Keep that in mind. You might breeze to an 800 easily, but it's not guaranteed by the fact alone that you are a good writer. </p>
<p>As far as distinguishing that part of your application, what about those NCTE (National Council of Teacher's of English, I believe?) awards? I think you have to be nominated (I never was...grumble grumble lousy public high school grumble), but maybe you should look into it...there's no shame in dropping some hints to your teacher(s). Also, maybe just google "essay writing contests for high schoolers". I bet that you can find something...good luck.</p>
<p>If your an incoming junior you can always try the Davidson Fellows program (google it) - if you get an honorable mention or win it, that solves all your passion problems + most money problems - of course its mad difficult too =\
its like an Intel sortof but that also includes humanities</p>
<p>and also I notice there is almost no high school essay contests suprisingly - theres only a few which are ones offered by the UN, JFK Library, Oprah, and National Rifle Association...... =</p>
<p>-Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
-NCTE Award (You do need to be nominated. I wouldn't drop hints to your teacher, as that would probably just be obnoxious. Just let your writing speak for itself, and if s/he likes it, s/he'll nominate you!)
-There are many writing contests on online literary magazines, but those are all open to professional writers as well, not student ones, which obviously complicates things a bit!!!</p>
<p>^^I wouldn't drop hints on the first day of school, but if (like me), you go to an average public school that has no clue how to help their students get into selective colleges, I think that there are ways to throw it out there...I wish I did. Sometimes you gotta make your own breaks, you know? Not every school has teachers who do these nominations (no, it's not that I just wasn't a good enough writer...no one was ever nominated). Obviously I would make sure the teacher liked me and thought highly of my writing, but I think that here are tactful ways to throw it out there.</p>
<p>hmm one of my friends got every mult. choice right in the writing but only got a 7 or 8 on her essay and still got a 790. i got a psat of 650 and sat of 730.<br>
if your school doesn't have a newspaper or literary magazine, start one. write your essay about your love of writing, how you feel as you are writing, etc.</p>
<p>scutler, that sounds about right. I got all of the multiple choice questions right but only a 6 on the essay and got a 750. That low essay score didn't affect me in admissions.</p>