Is it OK to get personal in a college essay?

A personal topic isn't necessarily bad because you want the reader to connect with you and "fall in love with you", but mental health struggles are a difficult topic to write about. The unfortunate part is sometimes mental health essays make the reader question if a student will be successful at the school.

Should you get personal in your college essay?

The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable.

What shouldn't you write about in a college essay?

While drug addiction, alcohol use, arrests, jail stints, and similar activities may seem intriguing, they are usually college essay topics to avoid. There is a chance the admissions committee won't view those actions favorably, regardless of the lessons they learned along the way.

Is it OK to quote someone in a college essay?

Quoted materials should generally be used sparingly, so quote as little material as possible. In many cases, you might just need to quote a particular phrase or maybe a sentence.

Is it okay to use first person in a college essay?

Not only is it fine to make “I” statements in your application essays, but colleges expect your essays to sound like you, too!

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Should you avoid first person in essays?

Note: Academic writing often requires us to avoid first-person point of view in favor of third-person point of view, which can be more objective and convincing. Often, students will say, “I think the author is very convincing.” Taking out I makes a stronger statement or claim: “The author is very convincing.”

Is it OK to talk in first person in an essay?

Using the first person voice (e.g, I, me, my) is expected in personal reflective writing, but you might also use the first person voice in other types of essays when describing your personal experiences to avoid ambiguity.

How do you not sound cliche in a college essay?

Make sure that your argument and writing are specific to you and your writing task. Clichés are vague. It is best to use the most precise wording in order to present evidence and support your arguments as clearly as possible. Specific details and explanations make better evidence than generalizations and trite phrases.

How do you end a college essay?

Can I quote Taylor Swift in my college essay?

I think that your essay idea is creative, and quoting Taylor Swift is definitely fitting for your story. This could be a good essay if executed well. More importantly than quotes though, this essay will need to explain the power of your impact in detail.

What are the most cliche college essay topics?

Is name dropping bad in college essays?

It will only significantly increase the likelihood of rejection. Name dropping in college essays is one of the items on our checklist of things that will make rejection exceedingly likely. People don't like braggarts. People don't like people who are trying so hard to impress.

Can you write a sad college essay?

Your personal statement is not the place to explore a newly traumatic or previously unresolved event. If you don't feel that you can approach a difficult past event with some closure, distance, and proper healing, then it might not be a good topic to proceed with.

What do colleges look for in a personal essay?

Colleges look for three things in your admission essay: a unique perspective, strong writing, and an authentic voice.

What do college admissions look for in a personal essay?

Be authentic.

Students who display energy, resilience, leadership, passion, inclusivity, unique outlooks, and people who can inspire others. Your essay should tell a story that highlights traits like these. No one else has lived your life or experienced what you have in the way that you have; tell your unique story.

How long should it take to write a personal essay for college?

While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay, and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts. Don't forget to save enough time for breaks between each writing and editing stage.

What is the average length of a college essay?

The average length of a personal essay for college is 400─600 words. Always read the prompt. Follow the instructions provided in the application.

How long should a college essay be?

If your institution doesn't provide a specific word count, it's best to keep your essay between the length established by the longer college admissions essay format: 250 to 650 words. Word count is just one factor to consider as you craft your college admissions essay.

Do college essays need a title?

You don't need a title for your college admissions essay, but you can include one if you think it adds something important.

How do you make a college essay not cringe?

How do you not write a boring college essay?

Show Don't Tell

As you expand on whatever theme you've decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don't tell. The most engaging writing “shows” by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities. Reciting a list of activities is also boring.

What is the best closing sentence for a college essay?

Avoid saying “to conclude,” “to summarize,” or “finally.” Your essay should end on a high note, like the ending of a movie. Think of moving sentences such as “I never saw it coming,” “I'll always remember what happened,” or “I've learned so much since then.”

What can I say instead of we in an essay?

Instead of using “we” and the active voice, you can use a passive voice without a pronoun. The sentence above becomes: “150 ml of HCl were used for the experiment.” Using the passive voice removes your team from the experiment and makes your work sound more objective.

Can you say I in an argumentative essay?

In a formal argumentative essay, it is generally not recommended to use the first person (I, me, my, we, our) excessively or inappropriately. The goal of an argumentative essay is to present a clear and objective argument or position and persuade the reader based on the strength of your evidence and reasoning.

Can you talk in second person in college essay?

Generally, it is best to avoid second person pronouns in scholarly writing because they remove the distance between the reader and the writer. Instead, try to use first or third person pronouns to enhance clarity. Most Walden programs and APA (2020) allow the appropriate use of first person.