<p>What the heck do you write in these things? I've been looking at a blank sheet for hours.. I'm so confused. Can anyone give me some examples or a formula?</p>
<p>Com’on guys :(</p>
<p>I’ve wondered about this too. Especially about whether you’re supposed to be formal or creative.</p>
<p>It’s hard. There’s this book by the PR that has I think 500 essays that worked. It really helped me get a sense of what I should write about.</p>
<p>they actually told me it has to be less than 700 words and contain all the information in the checkbox. PLUS BE CREATIVE.</p>
<p>Any ideas?</p>
<p>For most places, the word limit is 250-500. Just get that book I was talking about. It’ll give you a better idea of what they’re looking for. It’s available at most libraries too. Most schools give you the option of a topic of your choice anyways. CB also makes a great essay writing how-to book. I don’t really know what you’ve been through, your background, etc., so I can’t help you choose a topic. </p>
<p>If you go on the common app’s website, it’ll give you the essay options you have.</p>
<p>Straight out of a college admissions book, here’s the things you shouldn’t write about:</p>
<p>-your religion or lack thereof (unless the school is religious)
-your relationship with your BF/GF
-political views
-drugs
-Sex
-death (it’s generally too emotional. It can be done, it’s just difficult to do well.)
-how much you love yourself
-the importance of a college education
-your personal philosophy. Particularly if it deals with selfishness
-your SAT scores
-how much you like to party
-any topic that doesn’t appeal to you but that you think will appeal to an admissions officer
-anything that’ll make a reader blush or be embarrassed
-anything that will accidentally reveal you to be a poor college prospect
-big ideas (world peace, etc)
-Trendy topics (globalization, terrorism, etc.)
-anything that makes it sound like you’re only going to college to make a lot of money when you get out.
-Solitary pursuits
-how glad you are to be valedictorian, National Merit Finalist, etc.
-how much therapy has changed your life</p>
<p>Other tips include:
- Don’t repeat information from other parts of your app
- Avoid generalities
- Be humorous if you can, but be careful
- Maintain the proper tone (informal but not sloppy, witty but not childish, memorable without being outrageous)
- Write about something you care about
- Every story doesn’t need a moral
- Don’t apologize or explain</p>
<p>Thanks Rachel! :)</p>
<p>I still need more ideas! Help?</p>
<p><a href=“http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/College_Admissions_Essays_Samples_Critiques_and_Writing_Tips.htm[/URL]”>http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/College_Admissions_Essays_Samples_Critiques_and_Writing_Tips.htm</a>
<a href=“http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays.html[/URL]”>http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays.html</a>
<a href=“http://www.conncoll.edu/admission/essays-that-worked.htm[/URL]”>http://www.conncoll.edu/admission/essays-that-worked.htm</a></p>
<p>Just a few things found on google =)</p>
<p>I’ve always heard never to write about a sports injury and how you have overcome the injury. Too common.</p>