How to Write an Application Essay

Most college essays are so full of crap you could plant a forest in them. Write an essay that reads, write and rings true. For this purpose you will need:

  • Time to think and write
  • Writing material (a pen, paper or computer)
  • Somebody you trust

Follow the steps outlined below in order to write a good application essay:

  1. Think of something that makes you unique and pick a subject that no other applicant could possible write about. It could be your background (maybe you grew up as the only child of two magicians or it could be a personal experience – the more unusual, the better).
  2. Ask your friends and relatives what makes you special. This could be embarrassing especially if they don't respond, but it could also help you identify something you hadn't considered.
  3. Once you've picked the subject write the first draft of your essay. Don’t worry about making it perfect, just get your thoughts on paper. You should avoid gimmicks. Admission officers have seen them all. For example, don't write your essay from a perspective of your pet.
  4. Read over your essay. Then read it again, aloud. Does it sound like you? Cut out unnecessary sentences, paragraphs and adverbs.
  5. Find a couple of good editors – English teachers, relatives or anyone whose opinion you trust and who will be honest what does and does not work.
  6. Make the revisions you’ve agreed with and when you are done review your essay carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes. Otherwise, a perfect essay can be ruined by sloppy typos.

Send it off and relax. Nobody will be planting a forest in your crap.

Categories: Writing Tips   Tags: essay, college essays, editor

Top 8 Rules on How to Pass an Exam

Every student knows and with tremor waits the period when he/she has to take the exams. Probably that only 5-10% of students is sure in their knowledge and is not afraid to fail it.

How not to fail the exam, not to spend extra nerves and to get positive result? Let's discuss simple rules for "lazybones" and "grinders" to make examination period pleasant.

  1. Try to visit more than 90% of all lectures and make notes during semester. Remember, this is your 50% success to get as minimum your “honestly earned” satisfied grade. At least your lecturer will know you by sight. If consider that you deserve a “B”, be ready not only to visit classes but also to take part in discussions, make notes and for sure to make your home assignments. It’s not worth saying that for an “A” you should study everyday and use all your possibilities and wish to overcome laziness.

    Conclusion: the more active you are in a studying process, the more success you will get on your exams.

    Remember: studying is your non-payable work for definite period of time and the more efforts and time you invest the more you will get in future career.

  2. Start to get ready for the exam within a month to real exam date. The more time you devote to the studying process the better you are going to be prepared for the exam. Make sure you go over all the material provided by your professor and understand that you understand it fully.

  3. Consult sample college essays.There are a great majority of websites offering sample college essays for students. This is a great opportunity to browse relevant topics pertaining to your subject, get fresh ideas, and memorize some facts.

  4. Dont study anything in the last day and night before the exam. Try to relax, go to bed earlier than usual, drink your favorite tasty tea or listen to the music for better dreams and the most important – don't be nervous.

  5. Be dressed appropriately for the exam. Wear comfortable clothes such as jeans and shirt but don't overuse cosmetics and perfumes.

  6. Stay calm and confident in yourself while passing the exam. Answer the questions consistently, but don’t be in a hurry. If you do not know the answer, take your time to think a little bit or skip it and move forward, you can always go back to it at any time.

  7. Plan your time effectively. The main rules – don't be in a hurry and don't get stuck on one question.

  8. Don't use crib sheets. They don't help you but distract your attention and waste your time. You can’t concentrate your mind on questions, but only how to reach it out from the pocket.

Note that successful exam passing is built on basement founded from the beginning of the studying. It is better to study a bit every day than everything for the short period of time.

Categories: College Life   Tags: how to pass an exam, exams, college essays