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Lesson One: Tackling the Question
(by
EssayEdge) |
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Whoever first said that you should worry only
about the things you can control was not helping
to ease the concerns of the student writing his
or her application essay. By that criterion, the
student-writer should be very worried indeed.
The scariest aspect of the admissions essay is
that you have total control over it. With our
help, you will learn to see the essay-writing
process not as a daunting obstacle, but as a
stimulating opportunity. When you send out your
application, you will-in theory-have nothing
left to worry about, knowing that you have
capitalized on all the means available to you.
The admissions process is extremely selective.
Talented and motivated students from around the
world compete against each other for a scarce
number of spots. Facing the difficult task of
choosing among often indistinguishable
candidates, admissions officers must rely
heavily on those factors that provide insight
into the applicants' characters, and these
usually boil down to recommendation letters and
essays. Although you can and should choose your
recommendation writers carefully, the essay
remains the only aspect of your application
under your total control.
What makes the essay such a useful measure is
that it represents you on two fronts: the
substantive details of your experiences
themselves and the style and approach you use to
present them. Both aspects can and should say a
great deal about your abilities and
qualifications.
The number-one mistake that writers make is to
stick to formulas and thereby end up blending in
with everyone else. The purpose of this guide is
not to teach formulas, but rather to give the
necessary direction for you to create an
original and effective essay. We will teach you
how to choose appropriate topics and themes, how
to structure your essay as a coherent and
flowing piece, and how to convey your ideas
through engaging and active language.
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EssayEdge Extra:
Who's Reading My Essay?
A typical admissions
committee consists of:
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An experienced director
who's been working in
college admissions for
ten to twenty years
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One or two associate
directors with five
years of experience
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A handful of assistants
who have just graduated
from the college
The assistants read all the
applications, but the
associate directors and
director read only what the
assistants pass along. Some
schools will subject your
essay to further scrutiny by
circulating your file among
members of an admissions
committee comprised of
several individuals,
including admissions
officials, faculty members,
and possibly current
students. In
short, your principal
audience consists of young
men and women about four to
five years older than you
are. In other words, you are
writing for your peers. |
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