b'35Conquer the Blank PageGetting started is the hardest part. Follow these steps to write a strong essay:Brainstorm topics, letting ideas flow. Use the activityon p. 36 to help jumpstart your essay.Virtual Interviews: Your college interview Organize your ideas in an outline. APPLYING TO COLLEGEmay be virtual, conducted over video conferencing Allow your first draft to be just thata first draft. software such as Zoom. To prepare: Do not stress about it. Just write and know you willInstall and test the software in advance. revise it later. Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure.Take a break from writing and then return to yourPractice beforehand with a friend or family draft. Reread and revise it. Be creative in tellingmember. your storystart with an anecdote or find a way Find a quiet space with good lighting and to relate your story back to the college.no distractions.Look for unnecessary words that do not add to your story. Make sure your details matter and arenot just taking up space. The best essays make every WRITE YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY word count. Focus on the content first and save grammar and The college essayor personal statementletsspelling for later. For help, see Revise and Proofread you tell your story in your own words. This is yourYour Essay on p. 37.opportunity to express who you are beyond your Ask for honest feedback on your essay from yourgrades and test scores. College Prep Team.Know Your AudienceAfter each draft, set your essay aside for a day Your essay is intended to demonstrate your writingor 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 other Read it out loud to hear how it sounds. Print it out people. Start it at least one month before it is due. to catch mistakes missed on the screen. Ask someoneAdmissions officers read hundredssometimes else to proofread your essay to catch any errors you thousandsof essays each year. The way to standmay have missed. Read it one more time to make out is to write honestly, clearly, and authenticallysure your grammar and spelling are perfect.about yourself. Avoid These Essay Topics Know that admissions officers are looking forYour admiration for a role model, family member,students who can and will succeed at their school.or celebrity. The essay should be about you.Your essay should convince them you are a student A traumatic experience, such as the illness or deaththey want to acceptsomeone who will be a goodof a family member or friend, unless you write about fit for their school. how it affected you and the resilience you gainedThere is no right topic to write about or right from the experience.voice to use. The best topic to write about is onethat matters to you and conveys what makes youa unique applicant. The best voice is yoursbe yourself, use language that feels comfortable toyou, and tell your story.'