An Application Essay Is NOT a Transcript

The answer to “Why write a college application essay?” is crucial to being able to select a topic that will show admission staff who you are. The reasons you need to write a college application essay are much more important than lists of information on grades and extracurricular activities.


Before writing an essay, applicants must decide on a topic. The people who review essays seek applicants who stand out. Some essay reviewers see hundreds of applications weekly. Serious applicants take the time to prepare their essays. Application should address the applicant’s goals. For example, a law school essay can highlight why an applicant wants to become a corporate lawyer not just a general lawyer. Applicants can explain how meeting a corporate lawyer changed their lives. Some essays use a list of application essay questions. Applicants should use descriptive sentences. The answers to the application essay questions must capture the reviewer’s attention. If a single question is used, design an and prepare rough drafts. Use easy-to-understand words and make sure the sentences flow. When the rough drafts are satisfactory, proceed to a final draft. Once the application essay is complete, a final proofreading must take place. Proofreading ensures the grammar, sentence structure and tone appeals to the essay reviewers. Applicants who invest in a final proofreading gain an advantage over their competition.

Writing an Application Essay - "Never Let Them See You Sweat"

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Admissions Committees want to know who you are and how their school can be improved by your being there. In order to uncover this information, a number of common Application Essay questions have been developed. Your essay should focus on the question you have been asked. If you have not been asked for your life story, the Application Essay is not the place to write your autobiography.