Subscriber Comments for
College Applications

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JOULES	2012-09-30 09:44 PM
Yeah, this is hard. Tell a story, something specific that had some deep meaning for you or influenced you. For the first draft, write WHAT you want to say. Then, go back and revise, and work on HOW you want to say it. Show, rather than tell, as much as possible. Show how that particular event or whatever it is changed you in some way. Get someone else to read it and give you feedback on clarity, flow, and basic proofreading. Good luck!
COMMENT 326245	2012-09-30 10:39 AM
Old souls understand and can express irony. College admissions intuitively relates to those who successfully expresses irony when writing about their accomplishments.
COMMENT 326192	2012-09-30 08:59 AM
Do you have an essay that you are proud of and would like to share ? I for one would love to read essays written by prospective college students. It would be an exciting glimpse into a young persons life. I don't know if anyone would like to share; nor do I know how you could do it...but I thought I'd run the idea up the flagpole....
COMMENT 326245	2012-09-30 07:11 AM
Colleges are looking for authenticity. They are not looking for 500 perfect words. They admit they can see through this fairly easily. If you honestly can't present yourself and why you are choosing that particular college, it may not be the best college for you. Or the best time in your own life to be making this level of a decision. You have to get down to the fire in your belly why you want to go to this college. They want to know will benefit more from the experience that they offer over the multiple other candidates they will have to set aside. They also want to sense you will be a life long supporter, donor and advocate for the college too. Do you love this college and do you want this life long mutually supportive relationship? Remember the right college is the best college for you; not the other way around.
COMMENT 326074	2012-09-29 08:03 PM
C'mon 038P... let's not discourage this girl just because she's showing some stress about university applications. Things have become a LOT more stressful since 1982. The pressure of University acceptance is WAY more intense than it was in your 80s past. Let her stress and attempt and triumph, instead of suggesting she give up and try something else! For real. Go Kelsey, you'll do fine!
COMMENT 326061P	2012-09-29 07:01 PM
When I applied to college in 1970, all that was required was a 3 page application and no one asked me to write an essay. I would have been as flustered as the original poster if asked to do so! Many college-bound teens aren't stressed, because the essay is just one more step in gaming the system. To take the assignment seriously is stressful! That said, I think from watching my own children go through the process, that you have a lot of latitude. Find some aspect of your life and past experience that influenced you or that you're passionate about. If you find it interesting, then others will too. Try telling the story out loud and brainstorming with people. Good luck! You can do it!
COMMENT 326038P	2012-09-29 06:01 PM
There are many other options for higher education. If the essay, of 500 words, is really so stressful for you, ( and not just a popular lament amongst university seeking teens seeking attention) you might want to consider something else. The 500 word essay is the least difficult part of University life.....and if that is too daunting, you are in for many years of stress and anxiety. I remember really enjoying writing mine, and that was 1982....this seems like a first world complaint
COMMENT 326035	2012-09-29 05:50 PM
My daughter got sucked into DU - 1/2 scholarship out of 48K - she is now at CC and thriving - on the BB team and much less stressed about money - don't let the big U's suck U in unless you have 200K in reserve cash per kid......................
COMMENT 326029	2012-09-29 05:38 PM
Be honest, be yourself, and be awesome! You'll do great.
COMMENT 325973P	2012-09-29 03:25 PM
i agree, it's really hard to compartmentalize any life experience in 500 words or less. having written a few in my day, i'd recommend writing about the most profound experience in your life from which you learned something about yourself.

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