Answer: If a college requests an essay or writing sample as a part of the admission process---there's no way around it---it is important. But now's not the time to stress. These pointers will help you relax and be yourself as you put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard.

1. Follow directions and stay on task. Do what the college asks you to do. Most colleges prepare topics for you to address or questions for you to answer. If the college asks for 700 words and you write 1,000 or more, the extra words could work to your disadvantage.

2. Some essay questions are fairly conventional. They'll ask you to write about the most memorable character you ever met. Others are bolder and request you describe an event that had a life-altering effect on you. Some are totally unconventional and ask you to write page 175 of your 200 page autobiography--or something equally bizarre.

3. It would be a horrible mistake for you to submit what you presume the college wants to hear or wants you to write. Be honest and be yourself. If the essay is autobiographical, take some time before you start writing a novel about your traits and experiences. Be reflective without being boastful.

4. Offer each college an original piece of work. Don't try to "warm up" an essay that got you a good grade in your senior English class or try to make the same essay work for several colleges. Your failure to create an original and targeted essay will be more obvious than you would ever suspect. Don't take the chance.

5. Set aside some time to organize your thoughts and do the actual writing and editing of your essay when school and social activities are least demanding. Don't pick the end of the grading period, when many teachers are busy giving subject exams.

6. Follow the practices that have worked for you in writing essays, compositions and research papers in high school:

a. Develop an outline.
b. Determine the best format to present your message.
c. Prepare a draft.
d. Review and edit the draft for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage.
e. Evaluate your writing style and treatment of the topic.
f .Rewrite and edit as necessary.
g. Proofread and prepare for submission.

7. Seek the impressions of others (parents, friends, etc.) on your essay, but do not ask them to write or rewrite your work. The essay is a way to express your creativity. Factor the impressions of your reviewers into your final draft.

8. Critique your essay one final time. Did you address the topic? Were you thorough? Did you provide the proper details? Does it flow well? Finally, does it look neat and ready for a new reader's eyes?

Earth Moving Essays: A Rarity

Rarely does a student write an essay that causes the earth to move under the admission office. A veteran admission officer once mused that she felt she might be getting insensitive in her older age because essays about the death of a family pet no longer touched her in ways they once did.

Another admission dean tells the story of wanting to inform a newly admitted freshman that she would be a minority of one when she arrived on campus. The essay she had written about leadership stated that she viewed herself to be a first-rate "follower." All of the other applicants, it appears, told the essay readers they were excellent leaders. She was rewarded for her candor. Essays are read by people who see hundreds of essays each year. Be certain that yours is reader friendly.

When you've reached that point, you'll know it. Push back from the keyboard or put down your pen. You have a quality essay!

Posted: February 5, 2010

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End Note:

Bound-For-College Guidebook Available to Ask Dr. Burtnett Readers at a Special Price

Frank Burtnett's book, the Bound-For-College Guidebook is available from Rowman & Littlefield Education at a 15% discount off the regular price for www.ednow.org subscribers. Unique to this student guide are the 100 Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) about college admission and financial aid and a series of student exercises that engage the reader in his or her personal journey to college.

Click on the book link at the top of this page to go to the Rowman & Littlefield Education website. When asked for a promotion code, insert 6S9EDNOW and you will receive the 15% discount.  

Permission is granted by Education Now (www.ednow.org) to reproduce and distribute this complete Ask Dr. Burtnett message as long as recipients are not charged for acquiring it and it is not edited or shortened in any way. To do so would be a violation of the copyright. Education Now, PO Box 2832, Springfield, VA 22152-2832. Email: info@ednow.org. Your only requirement is you must reproduce the full message, including this End Note.