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TIPS ON WRITING COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAYS


The college application essay is an important part of the college application for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.  Therefore students should plan on devoting the time required to write a good essay.   

The Fulbright Commission has books that can be lent out to students who need assistance with this task. 

CollegeBoard's website also offers some useful tips on writing college application essays.  

Every institution can set their own college application essay topics but below you will find some very basic guidelines.  We strongly encourage you to borrow one of our specialized books which addresses this topic more thoroughly.

A few basic tips for undergraduate admission essays:

  • Make sure you stay within word limits.

  • Do not reiterate information already given on your application.

  • Do not stray off the topic.

  • Make sure you write the essay yourself (admissions officers can tell if someone else wrote if for you).

  • Have the spelling and grammar checked.

  • Do not write the essay at the last minute. Competitive institutions regard the essay as a very important part of the application that can make a difference in whether you are admitted or not.

A few basic tips for graduate admission essays:

  • See undergraduate tips above- they apply to the graduate essays as well.

  • Most often graduate essay topics address issues such as, why you are interested in their particular program and what your academic and professional goals are.  Students should research the program well and should think carefully what their goals are so that they can be clear and specific when addressing these types of essay questions.

  • Make sure you fully answer the question.