by Dheer Kothari

Created on: August 03, 2009   Last Updated: August 04, 2009

How to make college admission essays work in your favour

What makes college admission essays tick? After all you're competing with hundreds of others with matching scores and as intelligent as you are. The golden rule, as George Bernard Shaw once said, is that there are no golden rules. In other words, one must write in one's own style without being hackneyed.

With a little imagination and honesty of purpose one can easily write an engaging piece which appeals to the scrutinizer at the college. I've always tried to put myself in the shoes of my reader whenever I write. That is the first big lesson I learnt when I started my career in journalism. Never test the patience of your reader, I was told by my seniors. Always make the introductory paragraph so interesting that the reader is compelled to read through your essay without a break.

Remember, the gentleman who evaluates your essay is a human doing his job. He does not have the time to waste on trivia or inane essays. Out of every ten papers he goes through, the probability of getting an essay which merits attention would be one in ten. So unless your essay is relevant and interesting, chances are he will dump your paper. Write as if this is your only chance to pass the test.

There are a number of ways you can make your college admission essays highly readable. If you have interesting anecdotes which substantiate your point, then it makes sense to include them in your essay. Make sure, however, that they do not disturb the flow of the essay and fit into the piece. Intelligent quotes also make a positive impact on your reader.

If you have the choice, write on a subject that is familiar to you and topical. Your scrutinizer would love to read on issues which are of immediate interest. We know from experience that reading becomes a pleasure when the topic is interesting and carries news value.

Once you have chosen the topic, make sure you do not deviate. Do not lose focus. If you are writing on 'Ban on smoking in public places', make sure you stick to the subject. Discuss the pros and cons, by all means, but do not digress to alternative modes of tobacco consumption.

The other important attribute of a good essay is its simplicity. Keep your language simple and easy to read. Convoluted, long-winding sentences are irksome and reflect muddled thinking. I have discovered that great writers have the gift of explaining the most complex of issues in simple, layman language. Most college admission essays, unfortunately, fail to pass muster because they are either too profane or didactic. Use of words just to show off your knowledge will never work. It is more than enough if you are able to convey your message clearly.

Your essay must reflect your views in clear, logical and well-structured paragraphs. If you are clued to your environment and read newspapers regularly, writing a few paragraphs on a topical subject with clarity and creativity will give you real satisfaction and also impress the college scrutinizer.

Learn more about this author, Dheer Kothari.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.