<p>So I've been writing my college essays, and I did a fair amount of research, and it seems that it is considered best to write in one's natural writing style. In my particular instance, I incorporate words that the average admissions officer may or may not be familiar with, which could be quite problematic , e.g. crestfallen, opprobrious, obfuscate, aplomb, etc. I did not at any point pick up a thesaurus, or use an electronic one for that matter. Those who I gave my essay to are familiar enough with my writing style that they don't need a dictionary and it all comes naturally to them. So, how can I properly expurgate my essay of any such words and ensure optimal readability? Thanks in advance! </p>
<p>The best way I think would be to write your essay in your own writing style then look it over and find words that not everyone is comfortable with. When you finds the words simplify them to a basic word then use a similar but more appropriate word for that.
Ex: crestfallen-sad-disappointed
I am not a admission officer but do this in my own writing.</p>
<p>I mean, that’s the obvious solution, but I am very meticulous with the connotations of my words and the intensity of their message. For instance, feeling crestfallen is essentially the same as feeling disappointed, but it usually has to do with something of a much greater extent. Plus, I don’t really have anyone to whom I can go and ask “Which words are too much?”</p>
<p>The issue with using “advanced” vocabulary in essays is not that admissions officers won’t understand them - they most likely will. The issue is that often, it’s a sign that someone’s parents or a coach have made some major tweaks or written it, or, that someone decided to replace words here and there out of a thesaurus without paying attention to the subtleties of different words. if it sounds natural enough, then it shouldn’t be a problem</p>
<p>Ugh I mean that makes sense but like
Ugh Other people have said that they don’t
and
ugh
This is why Sciences > Humanities</p>
<p>Doleful for sadness, antipathy for hatred, ambivalence for contradictory… i advice you to use simple words yet appropriate and can make your essay …humm lets say colorful! i.e instead of writing free the slaves , you write enfranchise the slaves… </p>
<p>College admission staff are experienced in reading grandiloquent essays, so regardless of whatever sesquipedalian words you use they are unlikely to be challenged or impressed. Even if your intention in using SAT-esque words in your essays is simply to reflect your natural writing style, it’s likely to be perceived as ostentatious, like this post of mine, haha. </p>
<p>There’s a reason Leonardo Da Vinci said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and Albert Einstein advised that we “make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.” </p>
<p>Ask your science teacher if he or she could please read your admission essays and give you feedback. Specifically ask if the essays seem pretentious. A science teacher is more accustomed to factual writing and might give you helpful insight. </p>
<p>Get yourself a copy of Strunk and White, Elements of Style. They beautifully illustrate the principles of simplicity and readability. </p>
<p>I have a copy of Strunk and White.</p>
<p>I mean, I can see how a science teacher would help, but it’s still an Engilsh essay… I don’t want it to seem stolid and purely factual. </p>
<p>Generally I don’t use sesquipedalian words, but it seems that people are unfamiliar with them nonetheless.</p>
<p>College admission staff encounter a far more diverse range of writing styles and vocabulary than the average person. Even if you use more obscure words it’s likely they’ll be able to comprehend the meaning of them without needing to rely upon a dictionary or thesaurus. I just think you’ll be sending their eyes off on a roller coaster if every other sentence is a multisyllabic SAT vocab word. </p>
<p>The reason I suggested that you ask a science teacher to please read your application essay is to obtain candid feedback from a different perspective. I wasn’t suggesting that you write the essay the way you would a science paper. The point is that what you have to say is more important than how you say it, and people who are experienced with writing for the sciences typically understand that quite well. Plus, science teachers tend to receive far less requests to read college application essays than English teachers… at least at my school. :)</p>
<p>Make it a conversational piece. I struggle to believe that you talk to your friends like this or your teachers like this. It seems like you did too much SAT prep lol. </p>
<p>I have never done any SAT prep in my life.</p>
<p>You sound like you love language. However, when writing for a specific type of reader (admissions essay reader), you want to put the reader into a state of “flow.” If they’re tripping or snagging or being stunned by your word choice, then you’re not serving your reader. And, serving your reader is your goal. Choosing the precise word is wonderful, IF it goes down smoooothly. </p>