| So you've gathered all the applications for the | | | | you have enough content to support your main |
| colleges that you want to apply to and as you flip | | | | ideas. |
| through them, you realize that they each have a | | | | Tip 4 - Start writing a rough draft. Use your |
| section titled "Essay" or something similar. | | | | outline as a guide. Don't try to make it perfect, |
| "Oh boy," you think to yourself..."I don't even | | | | that's why we call it a rough draft. You will likely |
| know where to start, sigh." It's common for high | | | | make many revisions before you get to a final |
| school students to get overwhelmed with filling | | | | version. |
| out college admissions applications. In order to | | | | Tip 5 - Ask for feedback. In order to make |
| make this process less stressful, I've come up | | | | sure you have a really good essay, you have to |
| with some tips and strategies. | | | | solicit feedback from others. These should be |
| Tip 1 - Read each application carefully. College | | | | people who you believe will provide you with |
| entrance essays can be tricky. Each school's | | | | honest and helpful feedback (i.e. family, friends, |
| questions will vary to some degree. You have | | | | mentors, counselors, teachers, work supervisors, |
| to make sure that you fully understand what | | | | etc.) Ask them to specifically review your essay |
| they're asking you before you can formulate a | | | | for the following things: grammar, spelling, |
| response. This is also a good way to figure out | | | | punctuation errors, style, and flow. Most |
| which colleges have similar essay questions. | | | | importantly, have them review the essay to |
| Tip 2 - Write each essay question or topic | | | | make sure that it answers the question that is |
| down. Now do some brainstorming. What | | | | being asked. |
| comes to mind when you think of these | | | | After you've solicited everyone's feedback, make |
| questions and topics? Try to reflect on your | | | | the necessary changes. It's okay if you decide |
| experiences over the past few years. Just write | | | | not to incorporate everybody's suggestions, that |
| down everything that comes to mind, don't try | | | | is why we call them suggestions. When it's all |
| erase anything at this point. | | | | said and done, you have to be satisfied with your |
| Tip 3 - Create an outline. We've all created | | | | college entrance essay when you drop that |
| outlines before. An outline is a great way to | | | | application packet in the mail. |
| organize your ideas. This will also let you know if | | | | |