Writing an Application Essay is Easier than You Think

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Many students find it excruciatingly difficult to write an application essay. They even try to find someone to do it for them. If you one of those who stress about college application and wonder is Paper Writings legit for that purpose, this guide will help you to write a brilliant applications essay – all by yourself!

Take time to understand the prompt

The first step to writing a great application essay is making sure you truly understand your prompt. Most colleges offer several topics to choose from, so take your time to contemplate each. They may look very different and range from quite trivial to very personal. Yet do not be deceived by the trivial ones – they too are designed to challenge you and get an insight into your mind. So, before you even start brainstorming, think how each of the topics applies to you.

Do not choose the topic right away. Sleep on it. While you are working on your essay and even when it’s done, do not forget to check if it adheres to the original prompt.

Be authentic

The best thing is to present yourself as you really are. Too many young people try to trick the system and present themselves as they imagine college wants them to be. This is a mistake because you want the college to admit you, not that perfect imaginary student you just created in your mind.

If you are not sure how you manage that, try showing your essay to someone who knows you well. For example, your parents or your friends. Ask them if the essay sounds like you. When it comes to the college admission process, presenting yourself as who you are is the best you can do. I know, being yourself demands courage, especially now when you are still figuring out who you are. Maybe your application essay will help you to understand yourself better.

Humblebrag

Okay, that is the trickiest bit. The entire point of your application essay is to sell yourself to the college, show how great you are so they want to admit such a student right away. However, most of us don’t feel comfortable about bragging and fear they might sound full of themselves. There is a way to do it humbly and that is where storytelling comes to the rescue.

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You don’t have to tell, “I am confident” or “I am a loyal friend”. Instead, you should tell a story about yourself related to the prompt where you exhibit respective qualities. This way you stay humble and the story tells everything for you. If you want to show confidence, tell how you performed stand-up at your school event. Tell that you are the first one to hit the dancefloor on the dance night while everyone else is playing wallflower. “Show, don’t tell” is the main principle here.

Don’t list your credentials

Keep your trophies, extracurricular activities and leadership roles on the formal application. There is a section on your Common Application form where you are supposed to put those. Do not repeat yourself. The essay is about your personality, not your achievements.

It is about your goals and about how this particular college can help you to achieve them. Remember, colleges have personalities too. Your essay must leave the admission officers with the impression that you are the perfect fit for their school. Not the perfect student that Harvard would be lucky to have. Perfect for them. That is why you should personalize each essay if you apply to several colleges.

Not a rocket science, huh?