The College Admissions Essay A Guide to Writing a Winning Application 1

how to write an admission essay

How to Write an Admission Essay

1. Introduction
2. Choose a topic
3. Start brainstorming
4. Write a thesis statement
5. Create an outline
6. Write your first draft
7. Revise your draft
8. Get feedback
9. Proofread your essay
10. FAQ

Topic Answer
1. Introduction The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more.
2. Choose a topic The topic of your essay should be something that you are passionate about and know a lot about.
3. Start brainstorming Once you have chosen a topic, start brainstorming ideas for your essay. Write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how crazy it seems.
4. Write a thesis statement The thesis statement is the main argument of your essay, and it should be clear and concise.

how to write an admission essay

How to Write an Admission Essay

Admission essays are an important part of the college admissions process. They give admissions officers a chance to get to know you better and see what you have to offer their school. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of writing an admission essay, from choosing a topic to revising your final draft.

3. Start brainstorming

Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas. This can be done in a number of ways, such as:

  • Freewriting: Write down everything that comes to mind about your topic, without stopping to edit or revise.
  • Mind mapping: Create a visual representation of your ideas by drawing a central image or concept and then connecting it to other related ideas.
  • Clustering: Write down your ideas on separate pieces of paper, then group them together into related categories.

As you brainstorm, keep in mind the following tips:

  • Be creative and open-minded.
  • Don’t be afraid to explore different angles and perspectives.
  • Focus on your unique experiences and insights.

Once you have a number of ideas, you can begin to narrow them down and choose the ones that you want to develop further in your essay.

how to write an admission essay

4. Write a thesis statement

The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It should be a clear and concise statement that states what you are arguing in your essay.

Your thesis statement should be located in the introduction of your essay, and it should be supported by the evidence in your body paragraphs.

Here are some tips for writing a strong thesis statement:

  • Make sure your thesis statement is specific and focused.
  • Make sure your thesis statement is arguable.
  • Make sure your thesis statement is supported by evidence in your body paragraphs.

Here is an example of a strong thesis statement:

“In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the American Dream and how it is unattainable for many people.”

how to write an admission essay

5. Create an outline

Once you have a good understanding of your topic and thesis statement, it’s time to create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and arguments, and make sure that your essay flows logically.

Your outline should be a brief sketch of your essay, with each main idea or argument listed under a corresponding heading. You can also include subheadings for each supporting point.

Here is an example of an outline for an admission essay:

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1: Introduce your topic and thesis statement.
  • Body paragraph 2: Support your thesis statement with evidence from your own experience.
  • Body paragraph 3: Provide additional support for your thesis statement with evidence from outside sources.
  • Conclusion

Your outline should be flexible, and you can change it as you write your essay. However, having a general outline in place will help you stay organized and focused as you write.

how to write an admission essay

6. Write your first draft

Once you have a good understanding of your topic and a clear thesis statement, you can begin writing your first draft. This is the time to get your ideas down on paper, without worrying too much about grammar or punctuation. Just let your thoughts flow freely.

When you are writing your first draft, it is helpful to think of yourself as a storyteller. You are trying to tell a story about yourself that will interest the admissions committee and make them want to admit you to their school.

Start by writing an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Then, use the body of your essay to develop your thesis statement and support it with evidence. Finally, write a conclusion that ties everything together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

As you are writing your first draft, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

  • Write in a clear and concise style.
  • Use active voice whenever possible.
  • Use specific examples to support your points.
  • Proofread your essay carefully before submitting it.

Revise your draft

Once you have written your first draft, it is time to revise it. This is an important step in the writing process, as it allows you to make sure that your essay is clear, concise, and error-free.

Here are some tips for revising your draft:

  • Read your essay aloud to yourself. This will help you to identify any awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow well.
  • Get feedback from a friend, family member, or teacher. They can help you to identify areas where your essay can be improved.
  • Proofread your essay carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Revising your draft is an important step in the writing process, and it can help you to produce a strong and polished essay.

Get feedback

Once you have written a draft of your essay, it is important to get feedback from others. This can help you to identify areas where your essay can be improved, and to make sure that your writing is clear and concise.

There are a few different ways to get feedback on your essay. You can ask a friend, family member, teacher, or tutor to read your essay and give you their feedback. You can also submit your essay to an online editing service or ask a writing center at your school for help.

When you ask someone to read your essay, be sure to give them specific instructions on what you are looking for. For example, you might ask them to focus on your thesis statement, your organization, or your use of evidence.

Once you have received feedback on your essay, be sure to take the time to revise it. This is an important step in the writing process, and it can help you to produce a stronger final product.

9. Proofread your essay

Once you have written a final draft of your essay, it is important to proofread it carefully for any errors. This includes checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. You should also make sure that your essay is clear and concise, and that your arguments are well-supported.

Here are some tips for proofreading your essay:

  • Read your essay aloud to yourself. This will help you to identify any errors that you might have missed when reading it silently.
  • Use a spell checker to check for any spelling errors.
  • Have someone else read your essay and give you feedback.

By proofreading your essay carefully, you can help to ensure that it is error-free and that it makes a strong impression on the admissions committee.

10. FAQ

Q1: What is the best way to start an admission essay?

A1: The best way to start an admission essay is to grab the reader’s attention with a strong hook. This could be a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statistic.

Q2: How long should an admission essay be?

A2: The length of your admission essay will vary depending on the school you are applying to. However, most admissions essays are between 250 and 500 words long.

Q3: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an admission essay?

A3: Some common mistakes to avoid when writing an admission essay include:

  • Writing about a topic that is too broad or too narrow
  • Using a formulaic or repetitive writing style
  • Not proofreading your essay carefully

By Ownfe