Admissions

Admissions Don't use big words just for the sake of using big words. Remember, this essay is about you, so use words you normally use. DON’T use the personal statement essay to repeat your resume. DO write about other people as well as about yourself. We are defined as individuals largely through relationships and experiences with others. DO write about something about which you feel strongly. Especially if you’re recounting an event, take it beyond the chronological storytelling. You want to make sure you've used proper spelling, grammar and punctuation, so ask an expert to proofread your essay. The point of this essay is to show who you are, not who you wish you were. Stick to what you know and your true personality will shine through. The second is to find a unique angle within the topic. We’ll make sure you get the right guidance at the right time. Students use their grades and test scores to select where they apply. That means every college has a pool of applicants with similar grades and test scores. Tell us something different from what we’ll read on your list of extracurricular activities or transcript. Essays should have a thesis that is clear to you and to the reader. Your thesis should indicate where you’re going and what you’re trying to communicate from the outset. I don’t think that originality should come at the expense of honesty. If you’re worried that your essay topic is a bit run-of-the-mill, you have two options. The first is to find another topic that feels authentic to you. Essay writing tips adapted from Kelly Tanabe’s “Four Steps to Writing a Winning Admissions Essay, Part I”. See how eliminating extra words actually makes your point stronger? Eliminatingprepositionsis a great, easy way to tighten your writing. Start with a creative lead.Capture the readers’ interestin the first two sentences. With a wealth of experience as a writer, journalist, and educator, Robert Schwartz has written for all four major television networks. In the feature film world he has written or rewritten screenplays for all of the major movie studios. It was a fearsome sight indeed after the tower fell for the last time, after that, strip jenga was forever banned in the lounge. Formatting and presentation cannot replace substance, but they can certainly enhance the value of an already well-written essay. If you write on a topic in which you have little interest or knowledge, your lack of sincerity and enthusiasm will show. Cynicism will not score points with the admission committee. Sometimes creating an outline for your essay can help you get started. It will also help you organize your thoughts and develop a framework. Feel free to tell us about a time you stumbled, and what happened next. Don’t be afraid to reveal yourself in your writing. Focus on one event, one activity, or one “most influential person.” Tackling too much tends to make your essay too watered down or disjointed.