College+Application+Essay+Tips

====In order to write something well, I like to get inspired by reading what other people wrote. Dave Barry has a column in Miami that is a great model for college application essays. Peruse this website, read a few to get the idea of "painting a picture" and that anything, and he means any random or minute thing can be written about: barry. ====

Excerpts from essays to U.Va.
Students need only to recall the difference between two simple concepts - showing and telling. A good essay always shows; a weak essay always tells.


 * --The bad:** //From an early age, we accept death as the inevitable, but do not comprehend its actual denotation. Death is the impending future that all people must eventually grasp. In my early teens, my grandfather tragically perished. As a youth who did not identify with such a cataclysm I was saturated with various emotions. Initially, I was grieved by the loss of a loved one and could not understand why this calamity had to befall upon my family. I always considered death to have a devastating effect, but was shocked by the emotional strain it places upon an individual.//


 * --The good:** //The coughing came first, the hacking in the middle of the night. Then there were the multiple doctor visits, each one the same: the little white rooms with magazines where I tried not to stare at the bald, gaunt woman across from me. One of the white coats finally said something, steadily, forecasting an 80 percent change of rain. The list of second opinions grew too long to count, looking for someone to say the right thing. Finally, there was relief in hearing the name of a kinder killer: lymphoma.//

//Sooooooo, what makes a good essay? Comments from Gould.//

Organize and create an outline. This is a short writing assignment, don't think that because it is short it is easy...you have to stay organized!

Don't use words because you think they "sound good" because the opportunity for that to backfire is great. In fact, avoid the thesaurus till you are on your 4th draft.

Think of this as a first date with your college, say something meaningful, but try to be positive about your learning/development.

You are an interesting person with interesting things to say//.// Take the time to say them clearly.

This is not a therapy session. You can be deep without overcoming cancer or sounding like an awk journal entry. Also, avoid restating whatever your guidance counselor is going to explain to them in her letter.

Even the most cliche topic can have a new spin on it. You don't have to prove how unique you are, just that you have something interesting to say...that you are bringing something to the discussion that is a college campus.

How to pick a topic: [|nytimes.]

June checklist for juniors: link.