How to Improve Your Mediocre Extracurricular Essay in 30 Minutes
Related Reads: Ira Glass, in his very excellent four-part video series on YouTube (which is 20 minutes well spent) says a great story must have two basic parts: a great story and a great “so what.” I have to agree. Below are examples from a…
DOs and DON’Ts for Your “Why Us?” Statement
Oh, as opposed to that other university where the professors aren’t dedicated to helping students succeed. So how do you write sentences that sound like you actually want to go to the school? Like this: I believe USC is perfect for me because, though other…
How Your Parents Can Help You Write Your College Essay
2. For some parents, it feels like nothing is good enough. This is death to the creative process. We’re our own worst critics. Having a second voice telling us that the intro is flat or that the essay doesn’t really reveal who you are–particularly while…
How to Write Your College Essay in Just One Night
(a.k.a.: The “Break in case of emergency” essay) This is for those of you who are experiencing extreme writer’s block, have procrastinated ‘til the last minute, or are feeling just plain lazy. I love you and I have been you. Oh, and this is for…
JFK’s is The Worst “Why us” Statement Ever
Wow. Business Insider just posted an article on the five-sentence essay JFK wrote that helped get him into Harvard. My big take-away: Whoa, Harvard was doing “Why us?” essays in the 1930s. Anyway, the prompt was “Why do you wish to come to Harvard?” and…
Guide: Writing a “Why us” Essay for a Safety School
But what if you’re writing a “Why us” statement for a school that isn’t your top choice? How do you get excited about that school? How do you fake it? Tip #1: Don’t fake it. What do I mean? If a school is on your…
Five Mistakes Your Making in You’re College Essay
It’s essay season, and as a teacher/writer/mentor/older brother I spend a lot of time looking at essays. Here are five things I’m tired of telling (and will continue to tell) my students: 1. Stop using two spaces after a period Okay, I’ll admit, I used…
How to Write the Stanford Roommate Essay + Examples
Applying to Stanford? Great! The Stanford Roommate Essay can serve as a great way to introduce yourself to your future roomie and vice versa. Enjoy these examples and tips below on writing the Stanford Roommate Essay. Your first semester is going to go swimmingly! Okay,…
How to Write a Successful Transfer Essay: A Brief Guide
How to do this: Succinctly. Ask yourself: Is there anything else I need to say? Like, really need to say? Hopefully you’ve said it all already. If so, just close it out with 1-2 short lines. Here are a few options that other students have…
How to Write your Extracurricular Essay without Rockstar Achievements
Not everyone has had a chance to speak at a UN conference. Or play in Carnegie hall. When your most valuable experiences aren’t tied to big name titles (like State Champion, National Scholar, First Place, Founder and CEO), that doesn’t mean your experiences won’t bring…