<p>I just can't seem to focus. My forte is writng; however, I subconciously know that my admission to most of the colleges I'm applying to (NYU, BU, UCD, etc.) hinges on my essay. This burden has comprised any ability that I have. Every time I attempt to write the thought that I might not be admitted pops into my head and I can't concentrate. I am also a perefectionsist, which is ostensibly hindering progress. Lately, when I approach writing I just blank out and then procrastinate. Most other people don't seem to have a problem with writing their college essay: is it just me? Does anyone have any recommendations?</p>
<p>Lol why don't you just say "bump." Random curry and dots FTL.</p>
<p>But if you're having writers block...open up a blank word document, set a timer for 5 minutes, and just type. Type anything and everything that comes to your mind. Feelings, ideas, experiences, memories, goals, other thoughts. That might help you pinpoint a few things. At least give it a shot. In middle school we practiced this using pencil and paper. Now that medium isn't quick/raw enough. Good luck...</p>
<p>Or, you can hop over to the College Essays forum and volunteer to read someone's essay. There usually isn't much of a temptation to copy, and that's dumb anyway, but you might think of interesting ideas that are tangential to other people's essays, and go from there.</p>
<p>I am in your same situation...admission at a couple places will probably come down to my essay, I'm generally a good writer, but I simply cannot sit down and write them.</p>
<p>One thing that I have been doing is to just to walk around your neighborhood and something and think, or think while you're driving...any situation where you're not sitting in front of Microsoft Word with that little cursor blinking menacingly at you. I try to think about how I want somebody who has never met me to view me...if I can convey ONE thing about myself, which thing is most important (not most important in college admissions, but most important about myself)? If I could convey TWO things, what would they be? If you pick some things...for example, that you love math so much that you factor words (Giggle Google = Ggle(ig+oo)) or that you are so deep in your thinking that sometimes you give yourself a headache, then find experiences that can write about that.</p>
<p>I would NOT head over to the College Essays forum or to the 100 Great Essays that Worked-esque books...you end up with other people's ideas floating around in your head and the clutter is not helpful.</p>
<p>I'm in a different place...I'm a good writer, or rather I know how to be but depending on how I'm feeling I'm a good little essayist or rebel...better not being having a bad day as I start my essays.</p>
<p>First, stop worrying about it. If you're a natural writer, just let it come forth. I don't know what activity relaxes you but this setting always gets me a writing mood: late at night (usually not a school night), pandora.com on with my favorite singer-songwriter music, and a hot mug of tea. Just relax and something will come out. Reading how-tos won't tell you how to write. You should already know how to write. You have to just let go and let it all flow. Try to create a personal comfortable environment. Worrying about it will only make you start essays you'll never like because anxiety just builds to more anxiety and criticism.</p>