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Jul 16, 2020 · This college essay tip is by Abigail McFee, Admissions Counselor for Tufts University and Tufts ‘17 graduate. 2. Write like a journalist. "Don't bury the lede!" The first few sentences must capture the reader's attention, provide a gist of the story, and give a sense of where the essay is heading.
- Common App Essay
Because the Common App essay prompts are your chance to help...
- How to Write a College Essay
A montage is, simply put, a series of moments or story...
- The Great College Essay Test
In this blog, learn how to write a great college essay,...
- The Feelings & Needs Exercise
Download the Feelings & Needs Worksheet » Instructions: Take...
- College Essay Tips
This college essay tip is by Debbie Stier, publisher, author...
- Common App Essay
- Prompt #1, Example #1
- Prompt #1, Example #2
- Prompt #1, Example #4
- Prompt #2, Example #3
- Prompt #3, Example #2
- Prompt #7, Example #2
- Prompt #7, Example #3
- Prompt #7, Example #4
- Prompt #7, Example #5
Analysis: This student draws readers in with a strong introduction. The essay starts ambiguous—“I led with a spade”—then intrigues readers by gradually revealing more information and details. This makes the reader want to keep reading (which is super important!) As the writer continues, there is a rather abrupt tone shift from suspenseful to explan...
Analysis: The primary strength of this essay is the honesty and authenticity of the student’s writing. It is purposefully reflective. Intentional language creates a clear character arc that begins with an eager young ballerina and ends with the student reflecting on their past. Readers are easily able to picture the passion and intensity of the you...
Analysis: This essay is distinct from others due to its melodic, lyrical form. This is primarily achieved because the student’s form follows the movements of the paintbrush that they use to scaffold their essay. As readers, we simply flow through the essay, occasionally picking up bits of information about its creator. Without even realizing it, by...
Analysis: This essay truly feels like a story—almost making you forget you are reading a college essay. The student’s voice is strong throughout the entire essay and they are able to give us insight into their thoughts, feelings, and motivations at every step of the story. Letting the reader into personal challenges like financial struggles can be ...
Analysis: Right off the bat, this essay starts extremely strong. The description of attendance in a class with ample quotes, awkward pauses, and the student’s internal dialogue immediately puts us in the middle of the action and establishes a lot of sympathy for this student before we’ve learned anything else. The strength of this essay continues i...
Analysis: This essay is outstanding because the student seems likable and authentic. With the first image of the student’s little sister vigorously nodding and holding up “five stubby fingers,” we find ourselves intrigued by the student’s daily life. They additionally show the importance of family, culture, and creativity in their life—these are gr...
Analysis: A major strength of this essay comes in its narrative organization. When reading this first paragraph, we feel for the young skaters and understand their fear—skating sounds scary! Then, because the writer sets us up to feel this empathy, the transition to the second paragraph where the student describes their empathy for the young skater...
Analysis: The structuring of this essay makes it easy and enjoyable to read. The student effectively organizes their various life experiences around their tower of journals, which centers the reader and makes the different stories easy to follow. Additionally, the student engages quotes from their journals—and unique formatting of the quotes—to sig...
Analysis: This essay is an Overcoming Challengesstory that centers around a single anecdote. The structure works nicely as the student describes what they were like before their road trip, what happened on the road trip, and what they were like after. The most major improvement that this essay needs is better-communicated authenticity. At the begin...
Mar 18, 2023 · Common App Essay Example #1: Seeds of Immigration. This student was admitted to Dartmouth College. In this Common App essay, they discuss their immigrant family background that motivates them. Although family is a commonly used topic, this student makes sure to have unique ideas and write in a genuine way.
Nov 19, 2021 · Prompt 2: Overcoming challenges. Prompt 3: Questioning a belief or idea. Prompt 4: Appreciating an influential person. Prompt 5: Transformative event. Prompt 6: Interest or hobby that inspires learning. Prompt 7: Free topic. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about college application essays.
Sep 18, 2024 · Example #1: My Shape. This essay example comes from the Essay Academy, our digital college essay course. It has a really unique structure and uses shapes as a metaphor. It's also written in response to Common App Prompt #2. Read + Analyze a Common App Essay With Me!
Jul 17, 2024 · College Essay Example #1: Clair de Lune. In this first example essay, Clair de Lune, we'll watch Alex review the essay in real-time. Let's take a look. College Essay Example + Analysis. Watch on. The writer here uses what we call a "sacred practice" format in the Essay Academy, and they do it well.
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Apr 3, 2024 · Though not every school uses the Common App—many state or public schools often have their own systems—the work you do in writing your Common App Essay will serve you in every other component of the process, including applying to non-Common App schools and writing the secondary and supplemental essays that often accompany both types of applications.
