How to Write the Perfect College Essay

My first piece of advice is to not sit down and start writing, but instead to record yourself talking through points of an essay and writing afterwards. As far as choosing a topic- here is what i have to say.

Any topic is a good topic. And I mean ANY topic. If something means a lot to you, write about it. Personally, I chose a serious topic and added in some humor through voice, because that's my personal writing style, but I know people who wrote essays about burritos or sparkling water- a mundane topic can mean a lot more through use of diction and clever segues.

If you don't usually write with humor- don't try it on your essay. Write in the style that is most comfortable to YOU. There is no secret formula to writing an essay that will get you into college.

Another important piece of advice- only use words that you usually use in your writing or speech. For example, I typically use larger words so I am familiar with how they should be used in sentences, but I wouldn't search up synonyms to replace words which I find mundane, because I am telling you it is glaringly obvious to the reader that the word you chose is not apart of your natural voice. Also- sometimes using simple language is better, and you can't assume that your audience knows what you're talking about.

When it comes to editing- either have someone else edit the essay for you and then read back through it, or take a few days away from it and then go back in and edit for clarity, diction, vocabulary, spelling, and, most importantly, grammar.

Whatever you choose to write about, be passionate, be honest, and come close to the word limit but don't go over it. Good luck!