Tutors 21 | - Freelance Writer
Aug 13, 2018 | #1
It's that time of the year again. When Senior high school students begin the scary process of filling out college applications. Answering the basic application form is simple, writing the common app essays, not so much. College applicants consider this part of the application the most dreadful part because they have no idea where to begin, how to find interesting topic ideas, and how to present these in a clear manner. In other words, they don't have fun when it comes to writing these essays due to a lack of ideas and imaginative skills. There must surely be a way to conquer this problem, right? Right! How? Remember the following information as you brainstorm for your common app essay ideas.
Remember that these essays are always aimed at helping you introduce yourself to the reviewer and (hopefully) the admissions committee. A personal touch is therefore required to make the essay interesting and informative. Base your essay on a personal experience. That way, the essay takes on an introductory tone. Don't be afraid to let your hair down. Let the reviewer get to know you, warts and all (as they say). Be vulnerable if the topic you chose requires you to be. This is your one chance to use the drama, adventures, and life experiences that you have to your advantage.
Clear your mind of the cobwebs that are preventing your creative juices from flowing. Do something that you normally do just for the heck of it. If you're lucky, it will result in a spur of the moment inspiration and create a highly engaging essay. Go ahead and procrastinate. Work that PlayStation, jump into the swimming pool and do laps, shoot a few hoops, watch YouTube all day. Whatever it is you choose to do to help you relax, it will most certainly help your brain develop essay ideas in the background.
If you want to become a lawyer, ask to shadow a lawyer for a month. If you want to become a doctor, ask to assist in a clinic for a specific amount of time. If you want to become an accountant... You get the picture. By placing yourself in the thick of action in relation to your chosen college major, you will be able to develop clear ideas as to why you would develop a solid interest in a profession. Learn the basics and then base your application essay on that information, portraying it as your inspiration for pursuing the degree.
These are some of the basic ways that a college applicant can seek that elusive inspiration for his common app essay responses. Writing the response essays should not be a stressful situation, it should only be a light and easy way of writing where a student doesn't need to pound the pavement, wear out the carpet, or drive family and friends up the wall as the college applicant tries to find the right topic to write about for the application essays.
It's a Personal Interview
Remember that these essays are always aimed at helping you introduce yourself to the reviewer and (hopefully) the admissions committee. A personal touch is therefore required to make the essay interesting and informative. Base your essay on a personal experience. That way, the essay takes on an introductory tone. Don't be afraid to let your hair down. Let the reviewer get to know you, warts and all (as they say). Be vulnerable if the topic you chose requires you to be. This is your one chance to use the drama, adventures, and life experiences that you have to your advantage.Do Something Relaxing
Clear your mind of the cobwebs that are preventing your creative juices from flowing. Do something that you normally do just for the heck of it. If you're lucky, it will result in a spur of the moment inspiration and create a highly engaging essay. Go ahead and procrastinate. Work that PlayStation, jump into the swimming pool and do laps, shoot a few hoops, watch YouTube all day. Whatever it is you choose to do to help you relax, it will most certainly help your brain develop essay ideas in the background.
Immerse Yourself in the Professional Research World
If you want to become a lawyer, ask to shadow a lawyer for a month. If you want to become a doctor, ask to assist in a clinic for a specific amount of time. If you want to become an accountant... You get the picture. By placing yourself in the thick of action in relation to your chosen college major, you will be able to develop clear ideas as to why you would develop a solid interest in a profession. Learn the basics and then base your application essay on that information, portraying it as your inspiration for pursuing the degree.
These are some of the basic ways that a college applicant can seek that elusive inspiration for his common app essay responses. Writing the response essays should not be a stressful situation, it should only be a light and easy way of writing where a student doesn't need to pound the pavement, wear out the carpet, or drive family and friends up the wall as the college applicant tries to find the right topic to write about for the application essays.