Tips For Improving The Style Of Your College Essay

Tips For Improving The Style Of Your College Essay I would still suggest that a English professional still read over the essay for expert editing purposes. However, parents should not try to change the voice of the student, which can be difficult to refrain from. The essay needs to be a reflection of the student’s creativity, writing ability and personality; not the parent. To a degree, this mystery person holds your future in their hands, and you don’t want to risk offending them. Take advantage of college study abroad programs to experience a new country, culture, and activities. Had he chosen a “safer” topic, he would have received an acceptance letter. You may have been advised to take risks with your college application essays, but you don’t want to be too risky. The college application essay is your chance to help admissions officers get to know you. For this reason, you should avoid topics that put the focus on someone else. Parents may know other details about the student that they should include in the essay. Parents are also a great second pair of eyes for grammar and spelling errors. Still, it’s best to avoid especially polarizing topics such as religion, abortion, and other hot-button debates. You don’t know who will read your college application essay or what they believe. Study abroad programs can be very affordable, usually costing about the same as a semester at college. For most students, it may be the first time they’ve been out of the United States. Between being a student, managing your course load, working a job, spending time with your family, and making time for your social life and hobbies, there is a lot to learn to balance when earning your degree. Often, students feel pressure to write about a completely unique, never-before-seen essay topic that will help them stand out. When these students can’t think of anything “cool” or “special” enough, they make something up. For the same reason, we recommend avoiding profanity and graphic language in your essays. Gail Berson, the dean of admissions at Wheaton College, shares a story about an applicant with excellent grades and test scores who wrote a graphic essay about a violent video game. The admissions team found the essay off-putting, and the student was rejected. Both students and parents tend to think that writing about overseas volunteering or charity trips is a sure-fire way to impress admissions officers. Some of the best college application essays are written about small moments that are meaningful to the applicant. You’re the only person with your exact combination of personal qualities, beliefs, values, and experiences, so you don’t need to lie or exaggerate to make your essay unique. Teachers, guidance counselors, even friends are viable candidates when looking for a second opinion on your writing. Additionally, these types of essays frequently present the student as some type of savior, who is privileged enough to spend the money to fly and participate in an activity overseas. This “savior” trope could irk the admissions officer. Remember, you want to sound genuine, not sanctimonious. While it is okay to have a parent proof an essay, they are not always the best option. Asking someone who is slightly more removed from the application process may be the wisest route to go. While parents mean well, any constructive feedback may be misinterpreted, creating conflict at what can already be a stressful time.