Guys, I'm about to start writing my college essay and honestly, I'm pretty stressed. What's the hardest part about writing one and how do you overcome the challenges?
The struggle with the college essay often comes from not knowing where to start and feeling the pressure to stand out. The fear of writing about a topic that the admissions officers have read a million times can also add to the stress.
Here are some steps to overcome those challenges:
1. Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming a list of significant, unique aspects of your life. Think of personal experiences, key events, and people who have made an impact on your life.
2. Define Your Angle: Remember that the essay isn't about what happened to you, but how the experience impacted you. You need to find a unique angle that will make your story stand out amongst other applications.
3. Write a Draft: When you select the best topic from your brainstorming session, start drafting without worrying too much about the structure or word choice. The goal is to get your thoughts out.
4. Proofread and Edit: After your first draft, check for errors, clarity, and smooth flow of ideas. Make sure the essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should captivate the reader and the conclusion should leave a lasting impression.
5. Seek Feedback: Share the essay with someone who knows you well and can provide constructive feedback. They can help ensure your essay showcases your unique voice and experiences.
6. Revise: Based on the feedback you received, make the necessary edits and revisions to your essay.
7. Repeat: Continue through steps 4-6 until you are satisfied with your essay.
Avoid cliché topics unless absolutely necessary and unique such as victories in sports, immigrant's story, stories about moving schools, etc. Although these topics may have deeply impacted you, they are often overdone in the college application scene.
Remember, the best way to combat stress is to give yourself plenty of time. Start early and work consistently. Break down the essay into smaller tasks and tackle them one at a time. You've got this!
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