How to Write a Great College Admissions or Scholarship Essay

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Essay Tips

1/ Follow directions!  Make sure you are answering ALL parts of the prompt.  

  • Pay attention to what the question is asking, and the purpose of essay.  
  • Make sure you stay within the page/word limit as well as follow the format requests. Font size should be 11 or 12 and simple font such as Times New Roman or Arial.  

2/ Write your best!  

  • This is going to be one of the first impressions that essay reviewers get of you, show off your writing abilities! “What do I have to offer this college or community?”  
  • Choose a topic that interests you.  Write about something unique and that we do not know about you already from your application.   
  • Make yourself standout and use your own experiences! Writing about a brother’s friend’s illness is probably not the best essay topic unless you yourself were also personally affected.   
  • Remember to keep it positive.  
  • The first paragraph is VERY important, you need a hook.  
  • Avoid using clichés or quotes. Use your own words, feelings, emotions, etc.   
  • Be prepared to go through many drafts!    
  • Proofread!  Have a friend, parent/guardian, teacher, coach, look over your essays as well!  

3/ Keep in mind, you have an audience.  

  • It’s okay to write about things that matter to you, but that would not offend someone.  Remember that you don’t know the politics, religion, or personal beliefs of the person reading your essay.  
  • When should mental health and/or trauma be used in a college essay?    
  • If it caused an interruption in school    
  • If it affected your grades   
  • If is significantly important to your story   
  • When not to share mental health and/or trauma in a college essay?    
  • If it did not interrupt school   
  • If it did not impact your grades   
  • When the trauma is still being processed or ongoing   
  • Before there is a confident conclusion   
  • Be thoughtful, vulnerable, honest, unique, most importantly be YOU!  This is how colleges learn about you without the “numbers” (GPAs & test scores).  Let your personality shine through!   

4/ Save yourself time by reusing your essays.  

  • Many colleges have similar prompts, edit and proofread your essays carefully to match the criteria for each college application.  
  • Save your past essays where you can access them (Google Drive, hard drive… etc.) .

Potential topics to write about:  

  • Reflect on your past and think ahead to your future goals.  What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?  Long-term goals?  
  • Was there a specific instance that started your interest in a field/major?  
  • How has your interest changed over time with your personal experiences?  
  • What do you possess that will help with your success in this field?  Talk about your characteristics or skills.  
  • What makes you unique compared to others?  Talk about your background, life experiences, or personality traits.  
  • Have you overcome any major challenges in your life that contributed to your development?  
  • Have you completed any academic research or projects you want to share? What would you contribute to the academic community in this field?