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Goals of the Essay: |
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1. To help the reader get to know you - regard the essay as a window to your personality, values, and goals. |
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2. To illustrate your uniqueness |
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3. To enable the reader to evaluate your writing |
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4. To help the reader create a full (and hopefully memorable) picture of you |
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How to write: |
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1. Be certain you answer the question. Read the essay question carefully, and think about what the question is really asking. |
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2. Decide on your message first. |
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3. Brainstorm ideas first. Spend as much time thinking as you do writing |
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4. The question is not, "What should I write about?" The appropriate question is, "What should I tell them about me?" What does your essay say about you? |
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5. Remember: Your essay can bring you to life for the admissions committee. Let them see the unique person that you are and what you can contribute to their campus. |
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General Guidelines: |
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1. Type or use very neat handwriting. |
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2. Put your name and social security number on each essay. |
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3. Length - conform to the admissions guidelines. |
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4. Use your own "voice" - informal, conversational, not stilted. |
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5. Avoid humorous essays unless you are good, but freely use humor. |
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6. Watch your spelling - There is no excuse for errors. Do not rely just on your spell check. |
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7. Don't just repeat lists of activities or recite a travelogue - add a personal, fresh perspective and work your topic in a unique way. |
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8. Don't let anybody else write your essay for you. |
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9. Dialogue works well; anecdotes and rich details are great. |
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10. Be free with the format and creative. The traditional five paragraph essay might not be the most appropriate to use. |
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11. Accentuate the positive, even in a painful situation. |
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12. The first few lines are critical and must engage the reader and make him want to read more. |
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13. Don't focus on what you did or how good you are, but instead convey what the experience or person meant to you. |
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The essay can be one of the most important and influential parts of your college application. Make a thoughtful choice of topic. Write, and rewrite, and rewrite. Know that your essay will be read, so write it well. It is a significant way to help yourself in the evaluation process. |
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