College Essays

Believe it or not, summer offers the perfect opportunity to begin college essays, so now is the time to brainstorm. Think about it - senior year begins in just a few months. September comes and reconnecting with friends, playing sports, proving summer reading and doing homework all fight for first priority. Imagine, while all of the other seniors squeeze in time for college applications and essays, you have no worries, because yours are completed. This week, the Coll-edge blog will address high school seniors on how to get started.

First, find a subject you care about. When a person is interested in the topic, writing comes more naturally. True, many essay questions are already decided for you, but in the event that you have a choice, pick something scintillating. If the essay is predetermined, these tips will still help. Stay away from repeating your words by writing the same sentence ten different ways. Yes, you will reach your word count sooner, but you may lose your audience. Address subjects for which you feel passion. For example, if you think a political issue may be more impressive, remember it will only be compelling if you write as though you are compelled. Most importantly, sound like yourself. If you think your writing does not "sound right," it is probably because you used a style other than your own. Admissions officers read thousands of essays. They genuinely want to hear what you have to say, and if you can entertain them while writing honestly, you already have an edge. Say what you mean to say; write accurately; select effective words, and use lively verbs to convey your point. Have the guts to cut, revise and edit! Even if you wrote the best, most sophisticated sentence ever, if it doesn't link to your subject, do not use it.

You are now ready to begin. For more essay tips, subscribe to the Coll-edge blog or contact Coll-edge at: info@coll-edge.com.