1. TIPS ON WRITING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY

2. TIP #1
Be Concise
Common Application main essay has a suggested minimum of 250 words and no upper limit
Try to stay below 700 words

3. TIP #2
Be Honest
Don’t embellish your achievements, titles, or roles in activities

4. TIP #3
Be an Individual
Distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants...what makes you different?

5. TIP #4
Be Coherent
Don’t try to cover everything about yourself in one short essay...it will seem too scattered
Think of this as a snapshot

6. TIP #5 Be Accurate Mechanics of good writing spelling punctuation
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a proofreader

7. TIP #6
Be Vivid
Provide details
Paint a picture for the reader

8. TIP #7
Be Likable
Colleges see themselves as communities; will you be someone who adds to that?

9. TIP #8 Be Cautious Using Humor
Humor is subjective, so it’s best to err on the side of caution

10. TIP #9 Be Controversial (if you can) Don’t be bland
Feel free to write about a controversial topic as long as you are balanced and thoughtful
Offer reasons and logical arguments for your view

11. TIP #10 Be Smart Show intellectual vitality
Why does a subject interest you?