Early Decision College Essays: Getting Ahead of the Crowd

Transform  a "Maybe" to a "Yes" decision.

The college application essay, or Common Application is your chance to make an impression that can move a reader’s mind from “maybe" to  "yes."

If it’s November, it’s Early Decision time at many colleges.  How to write a compelling essay that puts yours above the rest can be an intimidating task.

Here are some  ideas to launch your work:

1. Buy a fast pen and a thin notebook.

    Getting your ideas on paper can be completely different than writing on the Mac or PC. Just your thoughts and the sound of the pen scratching the paper.

2. Leave the House.

    Go camp out at a local coffee shop or your public library.

    Naturally, at home, there are a million excuses not to write -  the bzzz of your cell phone, your kid sister having cheerios in the kitchen, or a messy room.

3.  Find a pal to write with.

     Writing partners make you honest.  Decide you’ll both write for 30 minutes, then share ideas.

4.  Focus on the reader’s view of you.

     How does the reader see you from your essay?  Do you sound serious, funny, melodramatic, tedious, superficial, big man on campus, or other?  Would you want to admit yourself to your school?

5.  Ask a writing expert or former Admissions Officer.

    These are classic sources, that reveal what Admissions officers are looking for.  Both, available at Amazon.

     Try Harry Bauld, On Writing the College Essay,
     or Ashley Baker,  Six Weeks to Success. College Admissions Secrets.

Theresa Yin-Michna, M.A., a writer and E.S.L. teacher, has held  Fearless College Essays Workshops for over 7 years. Ninety-three percent of her students have been accepted to their top two choice schools.  She is a published writer at the Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, a former Adjunct in Writing at Pace University and Manhattanville College. Visit her at www.TheresaMichna.com