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The College Essay: An Introduction
Senior year of high school brings high hopes and no small measure
of anxiety to students planning to attend college. For many, the
most stressful aspect of the application process is the personal
essay. Relax, give yourself time, and trust that you have a unique
story to tell, urges PAT BERRY, application essay coach and founder
of the Montclair-based College Application Camp. The trick is
turning the glimmer of an idea into an engaging personal narrative.
SIX TIPS FOR WRITING A MEMORABLE
COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY
WRITTEN BY PAT BERRY
START TODAY
YOU’RE THE PROTAGONIST
Avoid making someone else the central
figure in your essay. Give colleges a sense
of your readiness and interest in the
world.
IF NECESSARY, ADD STRUCTURE
FEELINGS COUNT
When mining for topics, don’t overlook
the contented humming you do while
drawing, or how bike riding seems to
connect you to nature. Note when a math
book excites your mind, or getting lost
challenges your confidence. Ask yourself
whether your emotions have led to meaningful choices and/or events in your life.
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You have up to 650 words to work with,
so think old school: write an intro, a
conclusion, and three paragraphs in the
middle to build your case. An outline
may help, or use bullet points to
brainstorm your topic.
CONSIDER THE READER
Cut to the chase, stay on topic, and give
context if your subject is somewhat
unusual. Aim for admissions readers to
have an emotional reaction to your writing.
MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE BACK TO SCHOOL 2016
EMBRACE THE PROCESS
Writing this way – in first person and
with self-reflection, positivity, and
carefully crafted self-promotion – may
be new territory. Try to enjoy it, and
don’t be surprised to learn something
new about yourself.
BERRY: PHOTO COURTESY OF AMELIA MARTINEZ; OTHERS: THINKSTOCK
Nothing produces panic like having too
little time. Dedicate a notebook to ideas
that might work for an essay, and create a
writing schedule that allows time to revise
and finalize your essay well before early
decision (around November 1) and regular
decision (around January 1) deadlines.