Top 5 Tips for Best College Essays

• October 14, 2022
• Tammy Brown

The process of applying to college can feel overwhelming at first. One of the most critical parts of the application process is the essay. This is your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and why you would be a great addition to their school. This guide will teach you how to write your best college essay yet! We will cover everything from brainstorming topics to editing your final product. So, whether you are just starting out or you have already begun writing, this quick guide will help you create an essay that stands out from the rest!

The First Step: Brainstorming Topics

When it comes to brainstorming topics, the sky is the limit! But we recommend focusing on topics that are unique to you. For example, if you have a special hobby or interest, you could write about that. Or, if you have a personal story that has shaped who you are, that would be a great topic to write about. The key is to choose a topic that will allow you to share your personality and unique experiences with the admissions officers.

Once you have chosen a topic, it is time to start brainstorming some ideas. One way to do this is to list all the things you want the admissions officers to know about you. What are your academic interests? What are your hobbies and interests? What is your most significant achievement? Once you have a list of ideas, it is time to narrow them down.

Of course, before you get down to choosing a topic, be sure to check if the college you are applying to has asked for specific points or even mentioned what you should write about.

The Second Step: Choosing a Focal Point

Once you have chosen a topic, you need to decide on a focal point. This is your essay’s main idea, and everything else should support that idea. So, before you start writing, make sure you know your focal point, around which you can build and add all other points.

There are a few different ways to choose a focal point. You could focus on an experience you had on your academic interests or a personal story. Whatever you choose, make sure it will allow you to share your personality and unique experiences with the admissions officers.

The Third Step: Writing Your Essay

Now that you have a topic and focal point, it is time to start writing your essay. The best way to start is by writing a rough draft. Do not worry about making it perfect; just get your thoughts down on paper. Once you have a rough draft, it is time to start editing.

Editing can be tricky, but it is important to make sure your essay is the best it can be. Make sure to read through your essay several times and edit for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and awkward sentences. You also want to make sure your essay is well-organized and flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next, conveying precisely what you want to say – specifically and effectively.

The Fourth Step: Final Touches

Once you have edited your essay, it is time to give it a final polish. This means checking for any last-minute mistakes and ensuring your essay is formatted correctly. You also want to make sure the tone of your essay is consistent throughout. If you are unsure how good your essay is, get someone at home, a friend, teacher, or mentor to read it and opine. Use the feedback they give you to make changes and tweak your essay.

The Final Step: Submitting Your Essay

Once you have finished editing your essay, it is time to submit it! Make sure to double-check the requirements for your school and make sure your essay is formatted correctly. Some schools require an essay to be typed in a particular font and font size. Also, ensure that your essay is printed on good quality, uncreased paper (for paper submissions) or in the correct file format (for online submissions).

We hope this quick guide has helped you write your best college essay yet. Good luck with the application process!

Find Best Degrees (FBD) has a collection of interesting reads and resources that can help you with overall better college life. Check out some of our other articles – Top 5 Time Management Tips for Online Students, 7 Tips for Grad School Applicants, EdD vs PhD in Education, and more.

Tammy Brown

Tammy Brown is a content enthusiast who thrives on crafting engaging blog posts and articles for various industries. Most days, you will find her immersed in the writing world, refining each piece to connect with her audience. On quieter days, she's likely daydreaming over coffee, brainstorming her next great blog topic or storytelling twist.