This section contains five examples of good college essays.
Writing a college essay is never a piece of cake, especially when your future depends on it. While writing a regular argumentative essay or , you only risk getting a low grade. However, when it comes to writing a college application essay, the stakes get much higher. Whether you like it or not, the quality of your essay will directly affect whether you will be able to study at the college of your choice or not, which is why it is so important to get things right!
Writing a college essay is never a piece of cake, especially when your future depends on it. While writing a regular argumentative essay or , you only risk getting a low grade. However, when it comes to writing a college application essay, the stakes get much higher. Whether you like it or not, the quality of your essay will directly affect whether you will be able to study at the college of your choice or not, which is why it is so important to get things right! Prior to writing a significant piece of work such as a college essay, students often have numerous inquiries, including what format do college essays use. Prior to writing a significant piece of work such as a college essay, students often have numerous inquiries, including what format do college essays use. After going through the thorny path of collecting documents, passing exams, and choosing the right university, the time has come for the student to write a college application essay. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the requirements for writing this type of work. Requests may differ slightly in detail, but the main criteria are generally the same. The essay should be unique, creative, and innovative, represent the candidate’s personality, and reflect his motivation and goals. Basic MLA formatting requirements include using size 12 Times New Roman font all across the essay with paragraphs spaced half an inch, double spacing between lines, and books cited page with a hanging indent. Additionally, the title page should have the student’s name, instructor’s name, course, and date. For proper application formatting, it is crucial to use when writing your essay. So here is some necessary information on how to write a stellar paper. The candidate should adhere to the requirements, and the topic of the work, if any. It is also worth making a layout plan of what you would like to display in the essay. Find a zest for your work that will help you stand out from other candidates. Imagine how many papers are submitted to the college admissions committee – these are hundreds and thousands of essays. It would be best if you took care that the teachers remember you so you can get the coveted place. To do this, you need to come up with an original idea. At the same time, it is crucial to refrain from exaggerating your accomplishments because outright lies will not be encouraged.
This essay could work for prompts 1 and 7 for the Common App.
Jennifer Blask, Executive Director for International Admissions at the University of Rochester, puts it beautifully: “So much of the college application is a recounting of things past—past grades, old classes, activities the student has participated in over several years. The essay is a chance for the student to share who they are now and what they will bring to our campus communities.”
This is a college essay that worked for .
In my spot next to the window, I also witnessed different kinds of people. I viewed visitors dragging their luggage, women carrying shopping bags, and people wandering in tattered clothes --the diversity of San Francisco. Two years ago I saw volunteers wearing City Impact shirts offering sandwiches and hot chocolate to homeless people outside of the cafe. I investigated more about City Impact and eventually signed up to volunteer. No longer was I a bystander. At holiday outreach events, I prepared and delivered food to homeless people. While sharing my coffee, I listened to a story from an older Chinese man who told me, in Mandarin, how he had been abandoned by his children and felt lonely.
What are colleges looking for in the “Why Us” essay?
Assuming you’re applying via the (here’s our how-to guide for that), the personal statement is likely to be 500-650 words long (so about a page) and many of the colleges you’re applying to will require it. (If you’re .)
Knowing how to format your college essay can be tricky.
Last summer, I returned to Xiamen, China, and taught my father how to drink coffee. Now, a Chemex and teapot are both on the end table. Instead of simply listening, I shared my experiences as a club president, a community leader, and a volunteer. I showed him my business plan and prototypes. My father raised his cup of coffee and made a toast to me, “Good girl! I am so proud of you.” Then, he patted my head as before. Together, we emptied our cups while the smell of coffee lingered.
This is a college essay that worked for .
It was during this period that I began to appreciate the strength and tenacity that my father had instilled in me. He was a man who had risen from humble beginnings, working tirelessly to provide for our family. Even in the face of his illness, he remained unwavering in his determination to conquer it. I knew that the best way to honor him was to channel his strength into my own life, to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth.