Quick Tips On How to Prep For Your College Essays

You’ve finally picked out a few colleges that interest you - congrats! Everything about your number one choice seems almost perfect except one small detail - you haven’t been accepted yet.  So how do you get into the college of your dreams?  It’s all about making sure your voice shines through in your application.  Read these simple tips on how to knock out the competition by personalizing your college app!

1. Just Be You It’s the most important part!  It is your personal application, so whatever you write should be all about you.  Be truthful, and avoid exaggerations.  Don’t be afraid to get personal.

2. Get Attention The admissions department at any college/university goes through thousands of applications each year.  The people in that department decide who will be accepted, who will be denied, and who will be put on a waitlist.  Devise a plan on how you are going to get their attention so they don’t just skip over your app.

3. Stand Out From the Crowd You need to show the admissions department that you are unique from all of the other applicants.  What is something positive you’ve done that is not particularly common?  Do you have any wacky hobbies?  What about an interesting role model?

4. Be Creative Most colleges/universities require their applicants to write at least one essay.  Some applications will ask you to answer a particular question, while others may just want you to write about why you want to go to their school, or what you hope to do in the future by obtaining a degree.  Instead of simply answering the question, incorporate your own style.  Answer the question by telling a story that relates.  For example, if you are applying to be a nurse, write about what you did as a kid that made you realize that’s what you wanted to be (like always helping out the kid who falls in gym class!).

5. Highlight Your Accomplishments Your college application should be a document of all of your bragging rights.  Don’t be afraid to show off!  List all of your greatest accomplishments—did you win any awards?  Were you the captain of your high school soccer team?  Were you involved in any clubs where you held a leadership position?  Did you score in the top 10% of your class?   Make sure you include all of your achievements in your essay.  The more accomplishments you list, the better your chance of admission.

6. Take Your Time Don’t wait until the last minute to fill out your college app.  Most applications require a lot of information, and if you rush through it, you may have forgotten very important details.  As soon as the application is available online, or sent to your mailing address, start filling it out.  Do a little bit each day, and focus most of your time on the essays.  Schedule in times to work on your application and remind yourself by jotting it down in your daily planner.

-- By Desiree Murphy