Tips for Great Admission Essays

Writing an admission essay may feel like a daunting task to accomplish, much less three, as we require here at Sumner. While they are short essays, it’s all the more important that they pack a punch and illustrate exactly what you’re trying to get across. Find below some helpful hints in writing great short answer essays.

1. Be Authentic

Don’t be afraid to showcase your true colors throughout your essays. Use language you typically would use, don’t make it overly flowery and detailed unless that is who you really are! Often the reader can sense if the writer doesn’t usually write or speak that way. Make sure to touch on things that are important to you that are easy to write about for you! The emotion of your writing should guide you to be enthusiastic and excited that you’re applying for school, not dread that you are writing a 1-2 page paper.

2. Editing Process

Give yourself plenty of time to write your essays, this allows you to write rough drafts, set them aside, and come back a few days later with a fresh mind; able to revise and catch any odd phrasing or rambling. Along with rough drafts, be sure to read them aloud, so that it becomes evident whether your writing is smooth. Make sure the topic was addressed in full, and that you’ve kept the readers in mind (the admissions team!). Along these same lines, have others read your essays too, and get their input.

3. Be Noteworthy

Catch the reader’s attention with a memorable opening statement, something creative, or that leads the reader to use their imagination. Use a great quote or spark some interest with a surprising statement related to your topic. Always make sure that it ties back to your topic, and touch on this throughout the piece. Wrap up the essays with something equally memorable and bring it back to your opening statement. Think of the closing as the bow on a present, perfectly finish off the piece.

Hopefully you find these tips helpful, and as always feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!

 

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