For any ambitious student, writing a good college essay is a necessity. It is a key that can open doors to a new world of opportunity and careers in a new college. Every year, millions of college essays are sent to admission boards with the senders harboring the hope of acceptance.
As it is a necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention; there comes the need for students to know how to make your college essay stand out. Below are ways on how differently write your essay and ensure it grabs the attention of the admissions officers.
- Your first paragraph should be an attention grabber
Your college essay has to grab the attention of the admissions officer. The introduction paragraph should capture the admissions officer and make them want to read more. There are many ways of grabbing the attention of the reader. You could;
- Begin with a question
- Start with a bold statement
- Use an interesting quote
- Place the reader in the middle of things
- Speaking to the reader directly
- Telling the reader what you do NOT want to write about
- Reveal Your Voice
Unlike other forms of essays, you can create an impression in college essay writing by revealing your voice. It would grab the attention of the admissions officer as they can feel that they are reading from a real person. It helps show your personality, your line of thought, level of honesty, and humor.
- Make Your Essay Correct and Beautiful
Presentation is key in everything. How your essay appears determines whether it would be read or not. Because nobody gets a second chance to create a first impression, ensure that you use a readable font. Balance words on your page and attend to soothing margins. Make sure your essay is free of mistakes and errors. Check all the spelling mistakes, and basic punctuation is correct.
- Use a Different Approach
If you look at things away from the typical trajectory of happenings, you automatically stand out. When writing your essay, try to approach it from a different angle. If most answers are positive, you can explore your options and take a negative approach. It will give you a unique characteristic that will separate you from the rest, and your essay will be outstanding.
- Leave a Lasting Impression
Most people remember the last things first or, at least, best. You should end your essay by the most important aspects of you but should be memorable. Memorable conclusions make the reader feel an emotion. Alternatively, use a well-worded phrase or sentence that is unforgettable. Or, use a simple phrase that captures your philosophy of life.
- Show That You Did Research
You should show that you have researched about the college. You should know the mission statement and core values, the goals, and the names of the departmental chairs and faculty. You should make relationships in the college before you apply then engage in healthy namedropping in your essay.
- Be Clear and Logical
Since you would wish your essay to stand out, you have to ensure your sentences and paragraphs connect and string together logically. It should make sense to the reader. Reread your essay trying viewing it as a reader in a bid to iron out all mistakes. Always ensure that someone else helps you to go through the essay.
With the help of essay writing tips, it is easier to write this type of essay. It only needs a critical understanding of its basics.