Get Me Rewrite: How to write a college admissions essay
By Paul Weingarten, former member of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board
When it comes to college essays, it feels like the entire future is riding on it. And while there’s no guarantee a great essay will unlock the door to an applicant’s dream college, there’s no doubt that a terrible one will slam it shut.
Luckily, many of the rules for writing a compelling entrance essay are the same that writers of every age and every topic should keep in mind when they face the dauntingly empty page.
If starting with any of the five prompts on the Common Application most colleges use, don’t filibuster the question. Answer the prompt promptly — in the first or second paragraph. Don’t just regurgitate the prompt.
Show, don’t tell. OK: “He was really nervous.” Much better: “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti.” Even Eminem knows to show, not tell.
Use humor sparingly. Most people can’t write funny. What’s humorous to the ear can fall flat on the page.
Grab attention fast. Avoid throat-clearing sentence starters, such as “To be sure” or “In fact.” Admissions officials read thousands of essays. They’re busy and easily bored — like most readers. Don’t back into an essay or a paragraph with extraneous detail or unnecessary exposition.
Use active, not passive, sentences. “Paul ripped the bag,” not “The bag was ripped by Paul.” Muscular verbs create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Avoid adverbs. They gum up sentences. Example: “Very.” No sentence benefits from the inclusion of that word. Most adverbs just restate the obvious. Take “sobbed uncontrollably.” How else would someone sob? When tempted to use an adverb, try the sentence without it.
Endings matter. Leave the reader with a strong thought or conjure an emotion, not a summary of what came before. A punchy ending can compensate for many shortcomings.
Most of all, be authentic. Don’t fake it. Be honest. College officials aren’t just judging writing, they’re judging character. They don’t expect that you’ve discovered a cure for cancer.
Finally, be fearless. If an essay doesn’t work, tear it up and start again. Writing is rewriting. Don’t take our word for it. Hemingway said it.
Paul Weingarten is a former member of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board and co-author of “A Guide to Writing College Admissions Essays: Practical Advice for Students and Parents” He also has an awesome vintage watch collection.
Next time you need some sharp words written, send a note. Melissa@MHarris.com.