Steps of application essay writing
To begin with, we would like to point out the importance of a quality paper and main characteristics, generally attributed to this kind of writing. To create an application essay, you should successfully follow these steps:
- Make it personal. Application essay should be personalized and narrow. Your autobiography details, like the list of accomplishments or academic record, can be found in the resume. This means that including them is optional. You should focus on the most important moments as you have a limited number of words allowed. We advise you to pick the most engaging story that shaped your personality. Develop the structure and extend the plot to engage the readers.
- Include the opener. The opening phrase defines your application essay. Make it catchy and memorable. You can start with a relevant quotation, a wise phrase, saying or an anecdote, but you shouldn’t combine all of the above. Again, it is important to avoid rambling and stick strictly to the topic. A word or a citation that appears out of the blue will make your opener confusing.
- Avoid clichés. Use a dictionary of synonyms to avoid copied expressions. Clichés indicate that you lack time and effort to create a good content. In addition, putting them in a sentence means you don’t care about the impression produced. Corny dialogue can be justified by the context, but the whole point of an admission essay is to make you stand out among other candidates. To be fresh and innovative, reduce similes to a minimum.
- Show emotions. If you write about personal experience, tell the admission office about the effect it made on your life. For example, if you are a volunteer and want to share a story of your mission, write an admission letter that incorporates all your previous experience. Include the parallels with your typical way of life and hardships you had to go through to understand the difference between the Western culture and the developing countries. Be specific and show emotional feedback.
The editing stage
Start an admission essay with the draft. If you read the work once before you send it, it would be insufficient and may lead to grammar and spelling mistakes. When you are done, take a break and check your paper again to spot the difference. In this case, the strengths and weaknesses of your work are on display.
After the first revision, it is necessary to look through your paper once more. This time, you search for the stylistic mistakes and errors. Language flaws may not be noticeable in the application essay, but they can affect the entire structure of the paper. If you cannot spot errors by yourself, find a companion to assist you with the work analysis. Together, you will ensure the essay is error-free and reliable in terms of structure and citation.
Narration and time limits
As you have a limited number of words at your disposal, you should make clear and concise statements. Avoid double meanings, senseless puns and expressions, as they may distract the reader’s attention and confuse the admission committee. Instead, opt for a simple prose if you need to indicate the point.
Clarity of narration is another feature of a good admission essay. Finally, it is essential to stick to the deadline and manage time limits successfully. Once given the task, do not write it the night before the target date. Consider making the rough blueprint of your future paper, so that you brainstorm ideas and use the stream of consciousness method for your paper. Application essays are usually sent before the appointed date, so that an applicant has enough time for drafts, revisions and proofreading.