b'35Conquer the Blank PageFUTUREGetting started is the hardest part. Follow these stepsyour to write a strong essay:toBrainstorm topics, letting ideas flow. Use the activityon p. 36 to help jumpstart your essay. aPPLYIngtOCOLLegeVirtual Interviews: Due to COVID-19, Organize your ideas in an outline.your college interview may be virtual, conductedAllow your first draft to be just thata first draft.over video conferencing software such as Zoom. Do not stress about it. Just write and know you willTo prepare: revise it later. Install and test the software in advance.Take a break from writing and then return to your Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure. draft. Reread and revise it. Be creative in tellingPractice beforehand with a friend or family your storystart with an anecdote or find a way member.to relate your story back to the college. Find a quiet space with good lighting and Look for unnecessary words that do not add tono distractions. your story. Make sure your details matter and are not just taking up space. The best essays make everyWRITE yoUR CollEGE ESSAy word count. Allow time to continue developing your story.The college essayor personal statementletsFocus on the content first and save grammar andyou tell your story in your own words. This is yourspelling for later. For help, see Revise and Proofreadopportunity to express who you are beyond your Your Essay on p. 37.grades and test scores.Ask for honest feedback on your essay from your Know your Audience College Prep Team. After each draft, set your essay aside for a dayYour essay is intended to demonstrate your writing or two, then reread and revise.skills. Give yourself enough time to craft your essay,Proofread for grammar, formatting, and typos.proofread and edit it, and show it to several otherRead it out loud to hear how it sounds. Print it outpeople. Start it at least one month before it is due. to catch mistakes missed on the screen. Ask someone Admissions ocers read hundredssometimeselse to proofread your essay to catch any errors youthousandsof essays each year. The way to stand may have missed. Read it one more time to makeout is to write honestly, clearly, and authentically sure your grammar and spelling are perfect.about yourself. Know that admissions ocers are looking forAvoid These Essay Topicsstudents who can and will succeed at their school.Your admiration for a role model, family member, Your essay should convince them you are a student or celebrity. The essay should be about you.they want to acceptsomeone who will be a goodA traumatic experience, such as the illness or death fit for their school. of a family member or friend, unless you write about There is no right topic to write about or righthow it aected you and the resilience you gainedvoice to use. The best topic to write about is onefrom the experience.that matters to you and conveys what makes you a unique applicant. The best voice is yoursbeyourself, use language that feels comfortable to you, and tell your story.'