College Essays

[WombRaider]

Do college essays have to be one of those life changing experiences? What if you've never had one? How important is the topic compared to the actual writing (grammar, structure, etc, etc.)?

 

[jacob0401]

Both the content and quality of writing I believe are equally important. The content/topic provides them insight to the person you are, while the quality of writing evaluates your ability to coherently write and convey ideas at a collegiate level.

Life changing experiences don't have to be dramatic, but you need to take some time to think about it. Many time life changing experiences are very simple but profound if you take the time to remember and reflect upon them.

This prompt is very common on college applications, but it is not used by every college. Many colleges have other prompts that they use in conjunction or separate.

EDIT: I'm assuming you are talking about college application essays.

 

[destrekor]

most college essays are going to be some kind of research-based essay, that or just generally answering a question in multiple pages, in which you cite the material you've read over the period of the course.
so, the topic is very important. without a clear layout and logical arguments, you're doomed as far as grading goes.
as far as grammar and whatnot, well, all depends on the professor/instructor. a lot are very strict and will dock off a certain amount for every mistake, others will just lump it all together in the final grade (such as a few mistakes versus many, and not numbered).


what do you mean when you mention life changing? Is that an assignment you have?

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: destrekor
most college essays are going to be some kind of research-based essay, that or just generally answering a question in multiple pages, in which you cite the material you've read over the period of the course.
so, the topic is very important. without a clear layout and logical arguments, you're doomed as far as grading goes.
as far as grammar and whatnot, well, all depends on the professor/instructor. a lot are very strict and will dock off a certain amount for every mistake, others will just lump it all together in the final grade (such as a few mistakes versus many, and not numbered).

I think he's talking about admission essays.

Usually they give you a choice, just talk about someone who was influential. Basically, pick a topic you know well and feel passionate about. Then spend weeks and weeks writing and revising.

Make sure to answer their questions though, don't start talking about something completely off-base.

 

[ric1287]

i still don't think they even read essays at big schools, just try to reach the stupid racial/demographic numbers so they can keep getting money, but thats just me

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: destrekor
most college essays are going to be some kind of research-based essay, that or just generally answering a question in multiple pages, in which you cite the material you've read over the period of the course.
so, the topic is very important. without a clear layout and logical arguments, you're doomed as far as grading goes.
as far as grammar and whatnot, well, all depends on the professor/instructor. a lot are very strict and will dock off a certain amount for every mistake, others will just lump it all together in the final grade (such as a few mistakes versus many, and not numbered).

I think he's talking about admission essays.

Usually they give you a choice, just talk about someone who was influential. Basically, pick a topic you know well and feel passionate about. Then spend weeks and weeks writing and revising.

Make sure to answer their questions though, don't start talking about something completely off-base.

I'm considering writing about my experiences and what I've learned from starting my small web hosting business. It's not your typical college essay so I guess it's something "fresh". Is that a good topic?

 

[oiprocs]

I don't know if you need weeks and weeks of writing and revising. I wrote the essay in one night, and I didn't have anybody read it.

I was negated at LA and Berkeley, but SD was willing to give me a shot.

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: ric1287
i still don't think they even read essays at big schools, just try to reach the stupid racial/demographic numbers so they can keep getting money, but thats just me

I'm applying to a small private school actually. I didn't spend a lot of time on my first essay, which I should have. So they sent me a second e-mail asking to send another essay. =\

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: WombRaider

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: destrekor
most college essays are going to be some kind of research-based essay, that or just generally answering a question in multiple pages, in which you cite the material you've read over the period of the course.
so, the topic is very important. without a clear layout and logical arguments, you're doomed as far as grading goes.
as far as grammar and whatnot, well, all depends on the professor/instructor. a lot are very strict and will dock off a certain amount for every mistake, others will just lump it all together in the final grade (such as a few mistakes versus many, and not numbered).

I think he's talking about admission essays.

Usually they give you a choice, just talk about someone who was influential. Basically, pick a topic you know well and feel passionate about. Then spend weeks and weeks writing and revising.

Make sure to answer their questions though, don't start talking about something completely off-base.

I'm considering writing about my experiences and what I've learned from starting my small web hosting business. It's not your typical college essay so I guess it's something "fresh". Is that a good topic?

if it is indeed a college entrance essay, then do whatever you need to do to be creative. Don't get into the mindless essay mode that well... regular essays require. fresh and creative is good for entrance essays. How much they effect your application as a whole, however, I don't know.
I'd say the topic could work, if it's within the confines of the question.

I cannot help much though. My application for The Ohio State University was online and the essay question was like a test question, one that you write in the box and do in like 20 minutes. There was even a character limitation for it.

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: WombRaider

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber

Originally posted by: destrekor
most college essays are going to be some kind of research-based essay, that or just generally answering a question in multiple pages, in which you cite the material you've read over the period of the course.
so, the topic is very important. without a clear layout and logical arguments, you're doomed as far as grading goes.
as far as grammar and whatnot, well, all depends on the professor/instructor. a lot are very strict and will dock off a certain amount for every mistake, others will just lump it all together in the final grade (such as a few mistakes versus many, and not numbered).

I think he's talking about admission essays.

Usually they give you a choice, just talk about someone who was influential. Basically, pick a topic you know well and feel passionate about. Then spend weeks and weeks writing and revising.

Make sure to answer their questions though, don't start talking about something completely off-base.

I'm considering writing about my experiences and what I've learned from starting my small web hosting business. It's not your typical college essay so I guess it's something "fresh". Is that a good topic?

if it is indeed a college entrance essay, then do whatever you need to do to be creative. Don't get into the mindless essay mode that well... regular essays require. fresh and creative is good for entrance essays. How much they effect your application as a whole, however, I don't know.
I'd say the topic could work, if it's within the confines of the question.

I cannot help much though. My application for The Ohio State University was online and the essay question was like a test question, one that you write in the box and do in like 20 minutes. There was even a character limitation for it.

My first essay was garbage and out of date. Unfortunately, I don't have any recent graded essays saved on my computer, so I'll need to write a new one. They're basically giving me second chance to submit another essay. Does that mean I've met all the other requirements (high school grades, college grades (transfer student), etc.) ? I'm assuming they have already gone over those other requirements before giving me another chance.

 

[WombRaider]

Here's the requirements for the essay:

All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample (one to two pages). This writing sample may be on one of the topics listed below or you may submit a paper you have written for class.

Possible topics:

1. Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church or community activities.
2. Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.

 

[Auryg]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
Here's the requirements for the essay:

All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample (one to two pages). This writing sample may be on one of the topics listed below or you may submit a paper you have written for class.

Possible topics:

1. Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church or community activities.
2. Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.

You seem like you're a good enough writer, just judging from your posts so far. The second one sounds a lot easier to me - they'll want cheesy, so don't be afraid to give it to them. Sneak in a tiny bit of humor if you can aswell - that's a good hint for any writing, really. Whoever is reading these reads a lot of them, and giving them a smile is a sure way in.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Auryg

Originally posted by: WombRaider
Here's the requirements for the essay:

All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample (one to two pages). This writing sample may be on one of the topics listed below or you may submit a paper you have written for class.

Possible topics:

1. Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church or community activities.
2. Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.

You seem like you're a good enough writer, just judging from your posts so far. The second one sounds a lot easier to me - they'll want cheesy, so don't be afraid to give it to them. Sneak in a tiny bit of humor if you can aswell - that's a good hint for any writing, really. Whoever is reading these reads a lot of them, and giving them a smile is a sure way in.

i basicially had those same 2 options 7 years ago, i chose 2 and wrote about how my family moved when i was in the middle of HS, starting over when you are 16 is not so much fun, but made for a good essay

 

[WombRaider]

It seems like a lot of essays require some type of depressing experience. Why can't we just write an essay with a positive mood?

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
It seems like a lot of essays require some type of depressing experience. Why can't we just write an essay with a positive mood?

well sadly most life altering type things are negative, unless you win the lottery, and that only seems to happen for idiots or old people

 

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
Here's the requirements for the essay:

All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample (one to two pages). This writing sample may be on one of the topics listed below or you may submit a paper you have written for class.

Possible topics:

1. Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church or community activities.
2. Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.

Originally posted by: WombRaider
It seems like a lot of essays require some type of depressing experience. Why can't we just write an essay with a positive mood?

Um...you can, just pick 2 and write about the most influential person in your life. That should be happy. Or pick 1 and tell about something awesome you did. Both positive, both very easy. I am not sure why you wouldn't have just done this in the first place, 1-2 pages is cake.

 

[WombRaider]

Does describing your experience and what you've learned from starting your own small business count for #2? It wasn't exactly a major impact on my life but I can easily talk about what I've learned from it.

 

[interchange]

Most people applying to undergraduate don't have a great deal of life experience. They expect that. Just try not to sound too cheesy or self-important. Speak about experiences that have a personal meaning to you and what you learned from them. It's most important to show maturity and self reflection. These are attributes that will take you a lot farther than you realize.

Yes, it should be grammatically good and logically structured. It does not have to be perfect, and it especially should not be overly formal. You should write in a personal manner that demonstrates intelligence.

 

[WombRaider]

Quick question, does the essay need to be in the 5 paragraph essay format? Can I have two bodies instead of three? The essay is limited to two pages and I don't want to exceed that limit or skimp on my ideas.

 

[Kirby64]

Meh. College admission essays are kinda a joke in big public colleges. I wrote mine in about 2 hrs(both of them) over an afternoon. I've already been admitted into one of the universities.

 

[jacob0401]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
Quick question, does the essay need to be in the 5 paragraph essay format? Can I have two bodies instead of three? The essay is limited to two pages and I don't want to exceed that limit or skimp on my ideas.

No it does not, if anything it makes your writing appear formulaic. Writing format/guidelines are taught to encourage good organization, thought process, and flow. The concepts are essential, but as you get better writing you will see it is actually quite limited.

There is a lot of flexibility in writing, but don't make it suck...

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
Here's the requirements for the essay:

All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample (one to two pages). This writing sample may be on one of the topics listed below or you may submit a paper you have written for class.

Possible topics:

1. Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church or community activities.
2. Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.

Basically, they're hoping that you are the sort who will do well, get a high-paying job, and donate generously to the college that helped get you there.
Convince them that you'll do all that.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I've never heard of any college board who gave a rats ass in regard to the topic covered in the essays. All they've ever been interested in is can you write an intro, body and, conclusion in your essay.