The college game is tremendously different from the high school game, especially when it comes to writing. Assignments are longer, require a lot more difficult, and need to written at a higher level. It’s difficult to transition in such a short period, and some students can even struggle for several years. There are a number of great writing guides out there, but often times they are filled with too much filler content students don’t have time to read. Don’t waste your time! Follow this short but effective guide on how to write a college essay and start earning better scores in all of your classes:
Many instructors will give you a several college essay prompts from which to choose. This is a pretty simple way of selecting a topic with which you are familiar, but it’s not the only way to go about this. Have a close look at your assignment requirements and make a list of the things you would like to write about instead. If your own interests fit within the requirements you can often choose the one you prefer the most.
Start your research by simply looking up some background information found online. Get familiar with some of the key terms and talking points. Next, head down to the school library and conduct your in-depth research using reliable academic or government resources.
Organization is extremely important in the pre-writing stage. Arrange your notes into similar or related ideas and select the best ones to support your argument. Create an outline with levels for each topic, sub-topic, and supporting evidence. Use the outline as a guide for your writing.
Great college essays don’t just appear out of thin air; they are created through a process which involves several drafts. Don’t wait around to find the right words before starting a first draft. It doesn’t need to be perfect, so sit down and get to work, writing as quickly and efficiently as possible.
You’ve probably heard your teachers remark on the importance of revision. It’s 100% true. And the most effective way of doing so is to set your work aside for a few days before you start rewriting. Afterwards, set your work aside again and make your edits and proofread for errors.