I'm trying to outline my college essay, but I'm not sure how it should be structured. Are there any 'best practices' for how a college essay should flow, or is it pretty flexible as long as it's coherent and engaging?
It's great that you're putting thought into the structure of your essay! Generally speaking, a strong college essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an engaging hook – a vivid scene or an intriguing statement – to grab the admissions officers' attention. The middle should unpack your story or the points you're making, ideally with specific examples that showcase your character and values. And then, wrap up with a conclusion that reflects on how the story or topic has influenced you or prepared you for college.
While this is a common structure, you also have the leeway to be creative. Some students successfully use narrative structures, like anecdotes or a series of related vignettes, to effectively communicate their stories. The most important thing is to ensure your personality shines through in a way that feels authentic to who you are. Just remember to stay on topic, be clear, and edit meticulously!
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