ssay Writing Telling the Story: Painting the Picture he majority of colleges will ask for an essay. Some schools ask for essays within the application process, others may request this as part of their scholarship process, some ask for both. The reality is that essays will be required. The good news is that essays are usually on general topics, and the student is given freedom to be creative. For years, high school students have been writing essays wondering when this would do them some good. Finally, all those writing skills will have practical usage. Because you will not personally stand before the scholarship or admissions committee and plead your case, the essay you write must make a favorable impression. Some basic tips: Essays will fall under the categories of personal essay or research essay. Colleges will often let you select from more than one essay topic. Choose a topic that you would be comfortable writing about or feel knowledgeable. Make sure the topic you choose allows you to 1) ANSWER THE ESSAY QUESTION, and 2) SHOW YOURSELF IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT. The format should reflect your writing skills taught by instructors in high school. OUTLINE the essay, remembering to answer the essay question itself, and think of personal stories you can include. PUT “YOURSELF” INTO THE COMPOSITION. You have to MARKET YOURSELF to admissions counselors and scholarship committees, and the essay is an opportunity to set yourself aside from other applicants. You DON’T WANT TO SHOCK THE COMMITTEE with a horror story about your family life, but something in your writing should BE MEMORABLE. Think of some asset or theme that would get the attention of the committee in a positive way. Some essays will require research. Include quotations to back up your position, and KNOW YOUR SUBJECT. Find the most demanding English teacher, and ask him or her to help you with the outline. Then return for a critique of the rough draft. The teachers that have been most demanding are the teachers who will probably be able to help you the most. If your essay puts that instructor to sleep, it will probably bore the selection committee too. PROOFREAD! This does not mean merely running the essay through the spell checker. A spell checker would find the following statement perfectly OK. “I maid the largest discovery of me live on my thirst day of school.” (I made the largest discovery of my life on my first day of school.) The words were spelled correctly but gross errors were made. Have more than one person read your essay and then read it aloud. As soon as you receive applications, check for the essay topics. You may be able to use three well-written essays for six colleges if you select your topics carefully. Write, rewrite, proof and proof again. A well-written essay may not only help you get accepted to the college of your dreams, it can also help you gain thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships. It’s worth the effort. T E The Memphis Challenge November 2003 Essay truth “Because you will not personally stand before the scholarship or admissions committee and plead your case, the essay you write must make a favorable impression.” Profile of an Admissions Committee Contrary to popular belief, admissions officers are not reading each file with a red pen in hand eager to place the next candidate into the rejection pile because of a few grammatical errors or a poorly chosen topic. Rather, they look forward to reading interesting, colorful essays written by real individuals. The first people to read your application are the admissions assistants. It might surprise you to learn that this group is typically made up of recent college graduates – people only four or five years older than you. If the assistants like your essay, they will pass it on to the associate directors. This middle tier of the committee reads only what the assistants pass along. Then the associate directors choose which essays to pass along to the director, who makes the final decision. So essentially, the mysterious group that holds your future in its hands is composed of a few recent college graduates, a few associate directors, and a director who must evaluate thousands of applications in a month or two. They are bleary-eyed and overworked. What “They” Look For Knowing how important the essays are is half the battle. The other half is understanding what makes an essay good. Whether consciously or not, you probably already have an image in your head of what the committees look for in an applicant. Many students assume that they look for only extreme academics. Therefore, the applicants try to make an impression by cramming their essays full of SAT-type vocabulary words, or they try to sound mature by using a stiff, formal tone. Nothing could be more misguided! In reality, these are exactly the kind of hackneyed essays the committee is tired of reading. One admissions officer said, “The most important thing for students to realize is that colleges are not just trying to admit people who are smart enough to do the work; they want to admit interesting people who will make a contribution to the incoming class. The biggest mistake that students applying to top colleges make is thinking that good academic credentials are all they need.” Admissions officers are interested in your personality, accomplishments, interests, and fears. Remembering that they must read hundreds to thousands of essays a year, write an essay that will engage them. Three Key Attributes to Make Your Essays Come to Life Get Personal: You must drop the formalities and write about something you find truly meaningful. Include a story or anecdote taken from your life and be sure to use lots of detail. Please note: personal does not have to mean heavy, emotional, or even inspiring. In fact, students who rely too heavily on these weighty experiences often do themselves an injustice. They often do not think about what has really touched them or interests them because they are preoccupied with the topic they think will impress the committee. These applicants often rely on the experience itself to speak for them and never explain what it meant to them or give a solid example of how it changed them. In other words, they do not make it personal. Use Details: Using detail means getting specific. You need to back up each and every point that you make by specific instances, examples, and scenarios taken from your experience. Tell a Stor y: Incorporating a story into your essay can be a great way to make it interesting and enjoyable. The safest and most common method of integrating a story into an essay is to tell the story first. Then step back into the role of narrator and explain why you presented it and what lessons you learned. Source: www.essayedge.com Story alternatives Not comfortable telling a story? You can still add interest by writing your essay to read like a story. One way to do this is to soften the language that you use. Write with your real voice, informally, as though you were telling someone a story. Use a conversational style and easy-to- understand language to project a genuine, relaxed image. Give your essay momentum – make sure the parts work together and move to a point, carrying the reader along. Be careful though. An informal voice or humor can rub some committees the wrong way. They want to know that you take the process seriously. Plus, humor is highly individual – what you find funny might offend an admissions officer – particularly if your tone is sarcastic or flippant. Source: www.essayedge.com Page 2 The Admissions Committee – your audience EssayWriting The Memphis Challenge November 2003 Attending college is an important step – paying for it is another one. There are scholarship dollars out there for those who take the initiative to search them out. Once you find out where the scholarships are, it is important that you prepare a quality scholarship application package, paying special attention to writing your essay. The majority of scholarship applications require an essay, usually with specific topics to be addressed. The scholarship essay is your opportunity to shine, to share information, to paint a picture for the Scholarship Committee of your goals, dreams and aspirations. In order for your application to be a cut above the rest, here are a few guidelines to follow: 1. Writing a good essay takes time. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements, such as grade point average, program of study and ethnic background, before you begin to work on the scholarship application/essay. 2. Start early. Give yourself enough time to do a thorough job in preparing the essay. This may involve thinking about any community service, work experience and extra curricular activities in which you have been involved. 3. Read all of the instructions before you begin the application process, paying attention to details, such as color of ink; last name first, etc. You may want to photocopy a blank application first and use it as a draft before working on the original. 4. Make sure you answer the questions completely. This may be the only opportunity you have to let the Scholarship Committee get to know you. 5. Respond to the questions in a clear and concise manner (this does not mean dull and boring). Use action words to help the reader get a mental picture of who you are and what is important to you. Put yourself in the essay readers’ shoes – does your essay merit awarding you a scholarship? 6. Spell check, spell check, spell check! Correct spelling and acceptable grammar can make or break an essay. 7. Have someone objective (instructor, counselor or advisor, friend, etc.) proofread your essay for content and language usage. Ask your proofreader: Have all questions been answered? What adjustments could be made to sharpen the essay? Are the grammar, punctuation and spelling correct? 8. Presentation is important. Your essay should be presented in a neat and attract format that is easy for the Scholarship Committee to review. 9. Be honest. Attempts may be made to verify the information you have given. 10. Keep your essay on a positive note. If life has given you a bowl of lemons, explain how you turned it into lemonade or how you plan to, if given the scholarship. Source: www.dbcc.cc.fl.us/schols/essaytips.htm Essay topics hobbies projects you have completed particular jobs and responsibilities accomplishments -- both professional and scholastic major life events that you believe have changed you challenges and personal hurdles you have overcome life events which motivate you to apply for this particular course of education. individuals who influenced, prepared, or motivated you to pursue particular profession or school particular traits, work habits, attitudes or sensibilities that you have developed which will insure your success in school or in a profession your goals Source: www.admissionsessays.com Page 3 Ten Steps To Successful Scholarship Essays EssayWriting By now, you have figured out that you can save time by submitting the same or similar essays for the applications to various schools. If you are creative, you will be able to plug in many of your answers into some not-so-similar questions, too. It is fine to lift whole paragraphs or even entire essays and apply them to different questions – as long as you do so seamlessly. Be absolutely sure that you have answered the question asked. Pay special attention to the introductions and conclusions – this is where cutting and pasting is most evident. If a school notices that you have obviously swapped essays, it shows them that you are lazy and insincere. If the question requires an answer specific to the school, you should show that you have read the college’s web page, admissions catalog, and have an understanding of the institution’s strengths. Source: www.essayedge.com One essay, multiple applications The Memphis Challenge November 2003 Here a list of Do’s and Don’ts for selecting a topic, along with comments from long-time admissions officers. For each of your potential topics, fill in this checklist. If you find yourself repeatedly answering “no” to these questions for any given topic, you should drop it and move on to another. 1. Have I selected a topic that describes something of personal importance? Admissions Officer says: “Personalize your essays as much as possible – generic essays are not only boring to read, they’re a waste of time because they don’t help you get to know the applicant any better.” 2. Am I avoiding a gimmicky topic? You should be very, very careful of trying to write your essay in iambic pentameter or with lots of jokes. Nothing is worse than not laughing at something that was written to be funny. Admissions Officer says: “Gimmicks are a big mistake, and a sarcastic or flippant tone will often offend.” 3. Does my topic stay away from information listed elsewhere on my application? Don’t mention GPAs or standardized test scores in your essay. That’s what the resume and other parts of the application are for. Admissions Officer says: “Listings of anything are dull, no matter how impressive. Essays should be about more than just a running tally of accomplishments.” 4. Will I be able to offer vivid supporting paragraphs to my essay topic? Admissions Officer says: “Details provide the color, the spice, and the life of the essays.” 5. Can I fully answer the question asked of me? Can you address and elaborate on all points within the specified word limit? Admissions Officer says: “Actually answer the question they ask. Many people just list off their accomplishments and never relate it to the theme of the question.” 6. Will my topic keep the reader’s interest from the first word? Admissions Officer says: “If the first paragraph doesn’t fix my attention, like anyone I’m prone to skimming.” 7. Is my topic unique? Some students are so concerned about making the correct impression that they edit out anything that would help their essay stand out. They submit a “safe” essay that is, in reality, sterile, monotonous and deadly boring. Most topics are in fact overdone, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, but a unique and convincing answer to a classic topic can pay off big. Admissions Officer says: “Applicants should not be afraid to be themselves – even when that means incorporating humor or being a little bit controversial.” 8. Am I being myself? You must develop your own voice and tell YOUR story, not the story you think the reader wants to hear. Write about something meaningful and describe what you did and felt, and your essay will be unique. Stay away from grand themes that you have little personal experience with. Admissions Officer says: “It is through the essay that the admissions officers reading the application will feel that they have truly gotten to know you.” 9. Does my topic avoid hot-button issues that may offend the reader? The only thing worse than not writing a memorable essay is writing an essay that will be remembered negatively. Stay away from specific religions, political doctrines or controversial opinions. Admissions Officer says: “It is dangerous for a non-professional (especially a high school student) to attempt writing as though the essay will be presented at a professional conference. You may be writing to someone who knows much more than you and will be irritated by your hackneyed proclamations.” 10. Is my essay honest? While you might be tempted to invent hardship, it is completely unnecessary. Write an essay about your life that demonstrates your personality. Admissions Officer says: “After 15 years of reading essays, you develop an amazing ability to see straight through the bull.” Common flaws Unlike your test scores, recommendations and grades, you have absolute control over your essay. Make sure you use that control to your advantage and don’t fall victim to the most common essay flaws. Poor Proofing – Spell checks can’t catch every- thing. Be sure to read your essay for unintended or silly meanings Boring Introductions – your introduction should set a creative tone. Not Enough Detail – Try to evoke a vivid image, thus placing the reader in the experience of the applicant Wordiness Colloquialism – Slang terms, contractions, clichés and an excessively casual tone should be eliminated Sentence Variety – Long, complicated sentences do not prove a writer’s worth, and short sentences often pack the most punch. The best essays contain a variety Use of Passive Voice – overuse of the passive voice makes prose seem flat and uninteresting Don’t Thesaurusize your Essay – Put your thesaurus away when writing your application essay Source: www.essayedge.com Page 4 Selecting your essay topic EssayWriting The Memphis Challenge November 2003 Page 5 Powerful intros Writing the Statement: the Power of a Good Introduction Your introductory paragraph may be the most crucial portion of your entire essay. This is your opportunity to grab the attention of the reader and encourage them to read your essay intently. Take your time and think through possible alternative approaches for presenting your information. For example, you may employ an opening quote, anecdote, or narrative passage among many other approaches. An effective opening line engages the reader and draws them in to your essay, compelling them to read your personal story closely. The rest of your introduction should be a short summary of what is to come. However, don’t just write a summary. Dramatize and highlight the following paragraphs of your essay. In essence, your introduction should be an exciting preview of the body of your statement. Source: www.admissionsessays.com 11. Will an admissions officer remember my topic after a day of reading hundreds of essays? What will the officer remember about your topic and about you? What will your lasting impression be? 12. If you are writing about something unfortunate that has happened to you, ask: Am I able to highlight my impressive qualities under difficult circumstances without sounding pathetic? 13. Does my essay fit in well with the rest of my application? Does it explain the unexplained and steer clear of what is already obvious? For example, if you have a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, no one doubts your ability to do the academic work; addressing this topic would be ridiculous. 14. Does my topic avoid mentioning my weaknesses? You want to make a positive first impression. Why admit to weakness when you can instead showcase your strengths? 15. If you think you can add diversity to the school to which you are applying, ask: Does my essay specifically demonstrate how my uniqueness will contribute to the realm of campus opinion, the academic environment or the social life? Every college, professional school or graduate school wants to increase diversity. For this reason, many applicants are tempted to declare what makes them different. However, simply saying that you are a black, lesbian female will not impress admissions officers in the least. Subtly handle the issue by addressing your own personal qualities and how you overcame stigma or dealt with social ostracism. Once you have used this checklist for each of your possible topics, narrow the list down to the three that most easily pass the suggestions above. At this point, you might have a topic so inspiring that the essay writes itself. However, even seemingly boring topics can be made into exceptional admissions essays with an innovative approach. In writing the essay you must bear in mind your two goals: to persuade the admissions officer that you are extremely worthy of admission and to make the admissions officer aware that you are more than a GPA and a standardized score – you are a real-life, intriguing personality. Source: www.essayedge.com For more writing tips and sample college admissions and scholarship essays, check out www.essayedge.com The conclusion is your last chance to persuade the reader or impress upon them your qualifications. Endings are the last experience an admissions officer has with your essay, so you need to make those words and thoughts count. The aim is for the admissions officer to leave your essay thinking, “That was a satisfying read.” Here are some Do’s and Don’ts: DOs Expand upon the broader implications of your discussion by linking your conclusion to your introduction to establish a sense of balance, redefining a term used previously, ending with with a famous quote that is relevant or framing your discussion within a larger context. Tie the conclusion back to your introduction. If you used an anecdote in your intro, use the conclusion to finish telling that story. Try to end on a positive note. You may want to restate your goals in terms of how they will be fulfilled at the institution to which you are applying. DON’Ts Summarize. You do not need to wrap up your essay in a nice little package. It should be an ending, not a summary. Use stock phrases. Phrases such as, “in conclusion,”“in summary,”“to conclude,” belong only in dry, scientific writing. Don’t use them. Try to explain the unexplainable. Your essay need not be so tidy that you can answer why people die or why starvation exists, but it should forge some attempt at closure. Source: www.essayedge.com Conclusion do’s and don’ts EssayWriting The Memphis Challenge November 2003 Below is a detailed checklist to guide you through the essaywriting process. SUBSTANCE Substance refers to the content of the essay and the message you send out. Here are some questions to ask yourself regarding content: Have I answered the question asked? Do I back up each point that I make with an a concrete and personal example? Have I been specific? (Go on a generalities hunt. Turn the generalities into specifics.) Could anyone else have written this essay? What does it say about me? Does this accurately represent me? Does the writing sound like me? Is it personal and informal rather than uptight or stiff? Regarding the introduction, is it personal? Is it too general? Can the essay get along without it? What makes my essay memorable? STRUCTURE To check the overall structure of your essay, conduct a first-sentence check. Write down the first sentence of every paragraph in order. Read through them ask the following: Would someone who was reading only these sentences still understand exactly what I am trying to say? Do the first sentences express all of my main points? Do the thoughts flow naturally, or do they seem to skip around? Now go back to your essay as a whole and ask: Does each paragraph stick to the thought that was introduced in the first sentence? Does a piece of evidence support each point? How well does the evidence support the point? Is each paragraph roughly the same length? Stepping back and squinting at the essay, do the paragraphs look balanced on the page? Does my conclusion draw naturally from the previous paragraphs? Have I varied the length and structure of my sentences? INTEREST The interest factor is crucial in keeping the admissions officers reading and remembering your essay. Look at your essay with the interest equation in mind: personal + specific = interesting. Answer the following: Is the opening paragraph personal? Do I start with action or an image? Does the essay show rather than tell? Did I use words that are not usually a part of my vocabulary? (If so, get rid of them.) Have I used active voice whenever possible? Have I overused adjectives and adverbs? Have I eliminated clichés? Have I deleted redundancies? Does the essay sound interesting to me? Will the ending give the reader a sense of completeness? Does the last sentence sound like a last sentence? PROOFREADING When you are satisfied with the structure and content of your essay, it is time to check for grammar, spelling and typos. Keep rewriting until your words say what you want them to say. Ask yourself these questions: Did I punctuate correctly? Did I eliminate exclamation points (except in dialogue)? Did I use capitalization clearly and consistently? Do the subjects agree in number with the verbs? Did I place the periods and commas inside the quotation marks? Did I keep contractions to a minimum? Do apostrophes appear in the right places? Did I replace the name of the proper school for each new application? Have I caught every single typo? (You can use your spell-checker but make sure that you check and re-check every change it makes. It is a computer after all.) Source: www.essayedge.com Essay blunders Here’s what happens when you don’t proofread – admissions counselors laugh. “The book was very entertaining, even though it was about a dull subject, World War II.” “I would love to attend a college where the foundation was built upon women.” “He was a modest man with an unbelievable ego.” “Hemingway includes no modern terminology in A Farewell to Arms . This, of course, is due to that fact that it was not written recently.” “I am proud to say that I have sustained from the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.” “Such things as divorces, separations, and annulments greatly reduce the need for adultery to be committed.” “Playing the saxophone lets me develop technique and skill which will help me in the future, since I would like to become a doctor.” “For almost all involved in these stories, premature burial has had a negative effect on their lives.” “Freedom of speech is the ointment which sets us free.” On a transcript: AP Engllish Handwritten on an interview form under Academic Interests: Writting Source: www.admissionsessays.com Page 6 Editing Checklist EssayWriting The Memphis Challenge November 2003 . Put your thesaurus away when writing your application essay Source: www.essayedge.com Page 4 Selecting your essay topic Essay Writing The Memphis Challenge. attention to writing your essay. The majority of scholarship applications require an essay, usually with specific topics to be addressed. The scholarship essay