Write your college essay in less than a day
Elizabeth Wissner-Gross.
New York : Ballantine Books Trade Paperbacks, c2009.
Strategies from a noted educational consultant on how to ease the pressure, ace the essay, and gain admission into your top-choice school Getting into college has become fiercely competitive, which makes the personal-essay part of the application process even more important–and stressful. But stop worrying! InWrite Your College Essay in Less Than a Day, Elizabeth Wissner-Gross–a top educational strategist in this area who counsels students at schools across the country–breaks down the harrowing ordeal of essay writing into manageable steps, leaving you with a fresh, polished, stand-out piece that admissions officers will love to read. Inside you’ll find • exercises to help you select an essay topic inspired by your most notable achievements–and winning a Nobel Prize needn’t be one of them • timed chapters (including snack breaks) to help you brainstorm, create, and critique your essay in only five hours • sample essays and grading criteria so that you can play the admissions officer–and know what you’re up against • advice on which writing techniques will score you points–and which could potentially sink your chances Accessible, savvy, and written with a student’s needs and concerns in mind,Write Your College Essay in Less Than a Daygives you all the tools you need to compose an original, professional essay that will help you turn your dream school into a well-deserved reality.
Peterson's how to write the perfect personal statement
Mark Alan Stewart.
Lawrenceville, NJ : Peterson's, c2009.
The admissions process for graduate and professional school is more competitive today than ever before.How to Write the Perfect Personal Statementwill de-mystify critical aspects of the admissions process by providing insight into how to create and write personal statements that respond to the questions that appear on the applications of many popular graduate schools, whom to approach for letters of recommendation, and how to make the best impression at the interview.
Countdown to college : 21 'to-do' lists for high school
Valerie Pierce with Cheryl Rilly.
Lansing, Mich. : Front Porch Press, c2009.
These invaluable To-Do lists show 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th graders WHAT to do and WHEN to do it to ensure their admission to the college of their choice. There will be no missed deadlines or missed opportunities with these step-by-step strategies for success.
How to write a winning scholarship essay
Gen and Kelly Tanabe.
Belmont, CA : SuperCollege, c2009.
In this important resource, 30 real, winning scholarship essays are analyzed, revealing what makes them successful and how they fit the judges' criteria. Includes advice for finding scholarships, including using books, the Internet, personal connections, and sources in the community.
When it is time to fill out college applications, it's likely an essay will be a part of that application. Consider writing that essay to be process of its own.
Essays are as diverse as writers themselves. They do not conform to a specific pattern like a sonnet. However, there are specific stages and steps to follow:
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Prewriting
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Drafting
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Editing
The goal of your essay is to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. It is important to find out what each admissions committee is looking for in applicants.
Your strategy should be focus and prove. Reread, rewrite, and revise. It is important to try to make your writing flow. It should sound natural. Keep the language and structure simple, direct, and clear. Use the fewest and simplest words possible.
Do not use a service, or a friend, to write your essay. The essay should represent yourself. Write with vivid specifics, no generalities. Essays should seize a topic with confidence and imagination.
When you write your essay say something. Admissions officers want to learn what makes you tick. Present your values and priorities. Write on a subjects that really mean something to you. Prepare your polished finished essay to present youself in the best light possible.
Finally, the admissions committee is interested in what makes you different. There is no “best” essay. Whatever you write should stick out like diamonds in a coal bin!
More about college essays
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
