Tips for Crafting an Eye-Catching College Application Essay

Competition to gain admission in today’s top colleges is fierce. There’s a lot your can do to ensure your first-choice says yes, however, and one of your most crucial elements is the application essay. It’s obvious your high school grades and achievements are critical, but so to is the essay - think of it as a cover letter you’re crafting to land the job of your dreams. It’s your chance to sell yourself, to present a snapshot of who you really are, and to express to the university why you know you fit into their academic world. While the essay may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, it’s just the kind of competitive edge that can tip the scales in your favor. So how do you write an irresistible essay? Read on for some valuable tips.

1) Tone
The voice you craft for the essay is critical. Strike a tone that’s confident, professional, yet without egocentric boastfulness and attitude. You want to relay your strengths in a manner that sounds articulate and comfortable, but resist the urge to use a lot of filler and statements you can’t quantify. For example, if you boldly state you’re one of the best writers in your high school, back it up with facts (editor of the newspaper, won a state writing award, etc.) And wherever possible, illustrate your strengths by showcasing awards and achievements instead of just creating a laundry list of traits.

2) Know Your Audience
Express in very clear terms why you’ve selected the university you’re seeking admission to. Make sure to communicate that you’ve done your homework, and you know why the selected college is right for you. Highlight the aspects of the school that are appealing, and why it’s obvious that you fit into their academic mold.

3) State Your Goals and Intentions
College admission offices respond well to individuals who have a clear path, so if you know exactly what you want to do with you educational career, spell it out in black and white. If you’re after a law degree and want to be in criminal defense, paint a picture of exactly how you intend to impact the world and make your mark. This will go a long way in showing the university what you intend to do with the education they offer.

4) Highlight Your Interests
Colleges are looking more and more for well-rounded individuals that are focused on achievement in a variety of arenas. Be sure to express you wide range of interests and accomplishments, from the debate team to pottery. Even if it doesn’t seem relevant to your learning focus, showing that you’re an ambitious and accomplished individual will impress the admissions officers all the more.

5) Be Serious, Be Clear
Express that you understand the task you are undertaking, and show the utmost respect for the learning institution and its methods. Make sure they know you’re very serious about your college career, and that you intend not only to finish the program, but to make the most of every moment. The university that admits you truly wants you to succeed - articulate that you are highly motivated and will see this opportunity through to the end.

By creating a well-written, clear, and vibrant application essay, you’ll go a long way into ensuring you gain admission into the college of your dreams. If you can strike that delicate balance between confidence, focus, and humility, you’ve got a great chance of catching the admissions experts’ attention and starting your path to a successful and rewarding college career. Take the essay seriously, and so will the people who read it.

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