College Essay

College Essay Jager-Hyman notes that every writer has an editor, and editors can help select topics, tell students where the essay is lacking and help them organize their thoughts. In this competitive climate, many students think their essay must reflect an earth-shattering achievement, like curing cancer or ending world starvation, but that’s not its purpose. It’s also not a place to reiterate one’s résumé or explain away a bad semester (there’s a section in the application for that). Colleges want to “hear specifically what you learned from an experience” â€" not clichés. The moral to the college essay is that there need not be a moral. You are writing a personal narrative, not a parable, so don’t feel compelled to conclude with a lesson learned or a happy ending. Regardless of the topic about which you choose to write, be sure the essay reveals more about you than the other characters or places in the story. After the session, students will receive an evaluation and comments. Prices are a flat consulting fee based on the number of essays , so there is no limit to drafts or time spent communicating while working together. Track deadlines to keep students throughout all essay drafts and applications. Ivy Experience will provide students with a comprehensive workbook that includes common interview questions and prep materials for all admissions interviews. This service also includes an hour-long meeting that covers essential interview tips and a mock interview, using a college from the student's list. DO tell a story; your college essay will be more similar to your creative writing or journal assignments that to your persuasive essay. Use the story or stories you tell to illustrate a larger, more abstract point. Good editors help students describe what makes them different and special. Still, Jager-Hyman says that some parents who get their hands on their kids’ essays go too far and change the tone or tenor. Some essays she read were “too stiff, too adult and too formal,” â€" not the student’s work. And with a little sincerity, self-reflection and hard work, you’ll deliver what they’re looking for. Your transcript already alerts people to the fact that you excelled in American history or that you nailed your SAT scores. There’s no need to mention either again; it won’t make the achievement seem more impressive if you elaborate. Beyond successful students, colleges are looking to create an incoming class that will complement their campuses. The language in your essay should be a more refined version of how you normally speak, but don’t try to be overly flowery in your writing in an attempt to woo the admissions officers. You don’t want to confuse the reader or come off as pretentious. Community involvement is key to being a well-rounded individual and college candidateâ€"it shows the admissions office that you will be involved with student life on campus. It’s never too late to get involved in community service at your place of worship, youth group, local soup kitchen, or nearby homeless shelter. He has so many tips about writing a solid college essay. Emily guided me through the revision process of my writing and helped clarify my drafts for a supplemental college essay. She provided thoughtful feedback and kept prompt communication to meet my deadline. I highly recommend Emily if you need assistance for your college essay. DON’T reveal something you would never consider telling your parents â€" while honest essays can be strong, your college essay is not the place to admit to shoplifting or drunk driving. Demonstrate that you are a leader and a thoughtful citizen, and you will not only improve your extracurricular portfolio, but also demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in college and beyond. My 17-year-old is working with Russell on a college essay. He is thorough, highly knowledgeable and patient. Use this space to show the person behind the history buff or mathlete. Ultimately, that will give your application more weight. We serve students who have not yet begun the college application process, students who may already have a draft they want to polish, and students who are anywhere in-between. My College Options ® is an online college planning program that connects millions of high school students with colleges and universities. The college application essay is no cause for panic. There’s no winning formula and no “correct” way of writing. Admissions committees simply want to get a better understanding of each candidate.