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August 22, 2016 by Mike Bergin

College Essay Tip: WRITE AS YOURSELF

Outstanding SAT & ACT scores are simply one step towards admission to your dream school. Craft an application essay that takes you all the way by applying our 7 Steps to an Amazing College Essay. Step 2 is to WRITE AS YOURSELF:
 

essaystarburstToo many applicants write their essays the way they think they should, not the way they actually write. Adopting a formal or unfamiliar style is a MISTAKE.

Obviously, your tone should be appropriate to this somewhat formal task, as opposed to the style you might adopt when texting or talking to your friends. At the same time, make sure your distinct style shines through. Be yourself, but remember your setting.

  • Be genuine: write in your own voice.
  • Be honest. Don’t lie or embellish the truth. In your essay as in all other things, honesty is the best policy!
  • Be cautious in your efforts to be funny. Humor, especially in writing, can easily backfire.
  • Once you’ve completed your essay, read it aloud. Does this essay truly sound like you?

 
After reading thousands of essays, any admissions professional can separate the authentic from the affected. Your essay should not just be about you, but actually sound like you.
 
[If you think you’ve read this before, maybe you have. We share our 7 Steps to an Amazing College Essay every summer to support all of the hard working high schoolers striving towards their most successful college applications!]

admissions essay

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Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

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