sample college application essays

Sample College Application Essays as Guide Materials for Writing Your Own Essay

Basically, an essay is putting your thoughts into writing, by collecting various information, organizing them in your thoughts, and eventually jotting them down on a piece of paper.  An essay may take on different purposes, but the basic structure never changes.  It’s always the same.  You may write an essay to simply state some facts or share information or knowledge, explain the necessary steps for a particular procedure, persuade and convince your reader to agree with you on a particular viewpoint, or simply raise opinions from your reader.  Whatever your reason for writing an essay, it all boils down to the same thing, that you are going to write something and write it using the most effective way that you can.

Steps in writing an essay

Before starting to write, you have to first decide on your topic, and contemplate on how you are going to introduce this topic.  Write your thesis statement and then, based on the information you’ve previously gathered, give some supporting information or backgrounder to establish your main idea.  You should also support this main idea with relevant information, while following the correct paragraph format.  This part comprises the body of your essay, so you have to make the content as informative and engaging as possible.  One good tip to follow is to avoid using long words or words that are more than three syllables.  If you use shorter words, readers would feel non-threatened when they read your essay.  Focus and never ever stray away from your main idea.  And support it by providing subpoints from your subheads.  The best way to do it is by preparing an outline or skeleton for all your ideas, so as to come up with a focused and well-written essay.  But how does one really create an effective essay?

Things to remember when writing your essay

Again, remember to plan what you intend to write. You can  do this by dividing your essay into three parts — the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.  The introduction part is especially important because if you come up with a weak introduction, the reader may not feel the need to finish your essay.  List down all your ideas that will go for each part, at the same time researching for more information to support each section.  How much research you need to do will depend on how complicated your topic is, and how much personal knowledge you have of your topic. Furthermore, always bear in mind that, as a writer, you should always keep the reader in mind.  Your readers are actually the members of the admissions committee, who will be going through thousands of essays just like yours.  So it’s important to come up with an essay that will stand out from the rest.

The title is yet another integral part of an effective and creative essay.  As a writer, you should catch the reader’s attention right away when they read your title.  Follow it up with an alluring lead, so they will not stop reading before they find out how good your article is.  And lead them on some more to the point they look forward to how you are going to end your essay.  Add your finishing touches to your essay, and that’s when you give them an ending or conclusion that makes a huge impact on your readers.

There are many sample college essay samples that you can use as a guide before you write your own essay or personal statement.  These essays are free and some of them are very well-written, so they can be used as effective resources.

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How Sample College Application Essays Can Help You Add Depth to Your Own Essay

Many college applicants feel stressed out when they are asked by the school they’re applying to to write their own personal statements.  Imagine: writing personal things about you; divulging personal things to people unknown to you; to be critiqued by people who will judge if you are worthy of the slot you’re vying for, or if that slot is better off given to the “more worthy applicants.”  That really is something to rack your nerves!

Organize your thoughts

The objective of writing a personal essay is to allow the selection committee to get a glimpse of how you think and how you are as a person.  That is why it is important that, before you start writing, you have to organize your thoughts and plan, so as to market yourself as one of their best applicants.  Introduce yourself such as stating briefly who you really are, what you want to be in the future, what experiences you’ve gone through, and how you made them work for you.  Follow up by specifying your goals, long-term and short-term, and emphasize your academic values and experiences.

Check out for “depth”

Once you have jotted down your thoughts on paper, check out for “depth.”  Remember, this is the one thing that will always reveal how good you are as an applicant.  Your writing may be gramatically perfect without any spelling errors and it may be insightful but lacks specificity or depth, then it only shows what kind of person you really are.  Don’t forget to use subtopics.  These will help you present your ideas in a more systematic manner, and therefore give your writing material more depth.

As you present your ideas, make sure you also have “breadth,” wherein you completely cover your main topic.  However, it doesn’t stop there, because your readers will also check for depth.  So, the best way to handle this is, before wrapping up your writing, check it again.  If after re-reading it many times over, and you’re convinced that your readers will not give comments such as “please elaborate” or “cite some more examples to enlighten us,” then you have successfully written an effective article. But should you still need to add some more depth to your essay, simply cite authors, list facts, and give examples.  There are many sample college application essays that you can read for free in the Internet.  These essays can be used as a guide in writing your own essay that deeply elaborates on the main topic.

Layering arguments for more “depth”

Another way to add more depth to your essay is by trying to not just present your own arguments on the paper, but to attack it by dealing with the opposing side.  For example, you can literally oppose the argument or counter-attack the presented argument.  You can also counter-argue the counter-argument, and so on, until you reach that maximum depth this layering of arguments can bring to your piece of essay.

Last, try building a longer essay by expanding on your ideas to create depth and end it with a solid conclusion.  Instead of flatly saying, “This is the happiest moment of my life,” you can improve the sentence to read, “This is the happiest moment of my life, not because I am now loved, but because I have learned that you have to love yourself first in order to be loved.  I have been liberated.”  In this case, you do not only expand your essay, but you also give more meaning and clarity.  But remember, kick the habit of “padding” your essay with trivial words.  It takes a skill to make your essay longer by adding relevant information to create depth.

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How Sample College Application Essays Can Help You Discuss in Your Personal Statement Why You Had to Ask Extra Credits from a Teacher

If you are a student, whether in college or in high school, chances are, you might be required to write an essay for school admission.  Since there are so many topics to choose from, you will really have to think hard about an interesting topic before you plunge yourself into writing it.  And one theme or topic that would really be good is about “asking for extra credits from your teacher.”

It is a fact that there are countless students all over the world who ask their teachers for extra credits in order to get better grades.  So, when you start writing it, make sure you clearly state the main reason why you should want to ask for extra credits from your teacher.  If it is simply for the reason that you want to excel in his or her class, or maybe get a grade higher than your peers and classmates, then make it a part of your introduction so your reader will know your main idea of writing the essay.  Establish in your essay that you are that type of student who just can’t get satisfied with average grades and that you ask your teachers for extra credits.  Elaborate how you go about telling your teacher you are concerned about your grades and, therefore, you are asking for something that goes beyond the minimum requirements.  For sure, the admissions committee reading your essay will be impressed with your confidence to discuss such matters with your teacher.

Jotting down your ideas

As a student, understand that your written personal statement has a big bearing on your application.  It is where you can sell yourself as a potential candidate, so you better make your essay really interesting and coherently written.

As a general rule in writing, begin by jotting down several ideas from your head.  You can start by discussing the reasons for choosing that particular topic, such as asking for extra credit from your high school teacher or professor.  You may also elaborate the possible effects of this on students competition for college admissions in the future.  Of course, the school admissions committee always puts great value on persistence, so you can highlight this as one of your attributes which can usher you to reach your goals in life.  Furthermore, it will pay to highlight your leadership ability, volunteering to be a spokesman for the class.

Providing details for depth

These are the main things to start with in writing yor own essay, or you can further provide more relevant details to add depth to your essay and make it more convincing to the admissions panel.  Many students have trouble writing, but the key to writing is jot down notes from your ideas, organize the written thoughts, and create subpoints to add depth or specificity in your writing, as these are the main ingredients of a good essay. And last, make sure you answer the predicted questions of the admissions committee, which is whether they want you on the particluar course you’re applying for, or whether they want you to be a part of their university or not.  If you keep all these points in mind, then you’ll never go wrong.

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Alabama State University (ASU)

Alabama State University was established in 1867 as a historically black university in Montgomery, Alabama. The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship fund and is composed of seven colleges and divisions. Offered courses in ASU include those under education, visual and performing arts, health sciences, business administration, and the arts and sciences. Students can also pursue graduate and doctorate degrees in disciplines like microbiology, educational leadership, policy and law, and physical therapy. More than six countries and 40 US States are represented in ASU, making it an alma mater for anyone. Visit the official ASU website to learn about admission procedures.

Cornell University

Cornell University was established by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickinson White in 1865 as a private, Ivy League higher learning institution. Getting into Cornell can be tough, considering it has high admission standards. Nevertheless, successful applicants can enroll for any undergraduate degree in agriculture and life sciences, art and planning, architecture, engineering, hotel administration, arts and sciences, human ecology and labor and industrial relations. In addition, students can pursue further studies or dual-degree programs after finishing college. To learn more about the school, its history, programs offered and application procedure, visit the official Cornell University website.

Purdue University

The flagship university of the six campuses of the Purdue University System is Purdue University. It was established in 1869 and is considered one of the largest university systems in the United States. What gives Purdue a prestigious title are the aviation and aerospace programs and the engineering curriculum offered at the Purdue University College of Engineering and School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Among the other 200 majors offered in the West Lafayette campus are the liberal arts, health sciences, management, nursing, education, science and technology, consumer and family sciences, agriculture and veterinary medicine. Check out the official Purdue University website to learn more about the admissions.

Samford University

Samford University stands in Homewood, Alabama as a private, Baptist-affiliated university. It was established in 1841 and offers eight schools and colleges to interested students. Specializations that students can pursue in Samford include business administration, education, nursing, and music education. Of course, the arts and sciences are among the choices for bachelor’s degrees. In addition, those who want to improve in their careers can pursue graduate and professional degrees in Samford University. Read more about offered programs in the school’s official website. Online application forms can also be downloaded from the site.

Santa Clara University

Jesuit Catholic students in and near Santa Clara, California can proceed to the Santa Clara University for private college education. Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is known as the oldest Catholic university in the American West. The university is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and offers undergraduate degrees in commerce, engineering, and the arts and sciences. Students who wish to pursue graduate degrees can choose from areas of specialization including education, pastoral ministries, counseling psychology, law, business and engineering. Two of the graduates who give a prestigious reputation to Santa Clara University are Google’s Chief Financial Officer, George Reyes, and author Khaled Hosseini. Visit the official Santa Clara University website to know about the offered programs and application procedures.

The University of San Diego

Students looking for college education in San Diego, California can enroll at the University of San Diego, a private, Roman Catholic academic institution established in 1949. It has six colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, nursing and health science, law, leadership studies and education sciences, business administration, and peace studies. Graduate and doctorate programs, JD degrees and graduate law degrees are also offered in the University of San Diego. Well-known professionals who graduated from the institution are Betsy Myers, the Chief Operating Officer of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, and Lowell McAdam, the President and CEO of Verizon Wireless. Check out the university’s website to get information on the admissions.

Seattle University

Established as the School of the Immaculate Conception in 1891, Seattle University was also called Seattle College. It is a Jesuit academic institution, a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and was the first in 1931 to open its doors to female students. Seattle University has eight schools and colleges for the disciplines of business and economics, arts and sciences, education, law, nursing, science and engineering, humanities for teaching, and theology and ministry. Also, the university offers 24 graduate programs to interested applicants. Learn about the admission procedure, the school, and its course offerings by visiting the official Seattle University website.

Abilene Christian University (ACU)

Established in 1906, Abilene Christian University is a private academic institution in Abilene, Texas. The aim of the university is to train and educate its students to lead and to serve the world in a Christian manner. Offered undergraduate majors in ACU include engineering physics, nutrition, nursing, information technology, occupational therapy and international studies. In addition, students can enroll for advertising and public relations, criminal justice-sociology, and natural resource management courses. Visit the official ACU website to learn about application procedures.

Stephens College

Stephens College was established in 1833 in Columbia, Missouri as a private liberal arts women’s college. It is famous for being the second oldest women’s college as well as for its exceptional programs in fine arts, fashion design, theater and dance. Other than the said programs, Stephens also offers majors in filmmaking, human development (psychology and education), physical therapy, legal studies, equestrian instruction and training, accounting, and entrepreneurship and business management. Finally, to those interested, Stephens College offers minors in history, women’s studies, plus many other areas of specialization. To learn more about the course offerings and the application process of the college, visit the official Stephens College website.

Adelphi University

Established as a private and nationally accredited school in 1896, Adelphi University is one of the top schools students can go to attend college. Located in Garden City, Nassau County, New York, Adelphi University offers undergraduate courses in disciplines including the arts and sciences, business, education, social work and nursing. Adult students can take advantage of advanced psychological studies, adult academic programs and honors programs. Finally, those who wish to pursue joint or graduate degrees can choose from specializations like optometry, law, engineering, dentistry, environmental studies and physical therapy. Visit the official Adelphi University website to know more about the school, its course offerings, and application procedure.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU or Alabama A&M University)

Located in Madison County, Alabama, the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University was built as a public, historically black university. It prides of being one of such universities that offer a baccalaureate degree program in telecommunications. But aside from this program, AAMU has others in different disciplines: mechanical, civil and electrical engineering, food science, computer science, counseling psychology, engineering technologies, communicative sciences and disorders, urban and regional planning, clinical psychology, art education, social work, and forestry. Look into the programs offered in AAMU by visiting its official website.

Adrian College

Students who live in Michigan can just look to Adrian College for a baccalaureate degree. Established in 1859 as a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college, Adrian offers more than 40 majors in different disciplines: earth and life sciences, history, music, social work and criminal justice, sociology, environmental studies, and accounting and business. In addition, those who want to be well-prepared for their careers can apply for pre-professional programs in architecture, health science, law, physical therapy, architecture, engineering, etc. Prestige is brought to Adrian College by numerous graduates who have become successful businessmen, executives, attorneys, educators, physicians and politicians including Congressman Mike Rogers. Learn more about the school through its official website.

Lebanon Valley College (LVC or The Valley)

Students from Lebanon County no longer have to look further to find a college where they can receive quality education. The Lebanon Valley College is an educational institution that has, since its establishment in 1866, been producing graduates who are well-prepared to enter the work force. Located particularly in Annville, LVC offers not just baccalaureate programs, but also graduate and doctorate programs. Students can choose from more than 35 specializations, among them Forestry, Religion, Philosophy and Digital Communication. Visit the official website of LVC to learn more about its admission procedure.

Robert Williams University (RWU)

Young students in Rhode Island can apply to the Roger Williams University to pursue an undergraduate degree. RWU was established in 1956 and took its name after a Rhode Island co-founder, Roger Williams. Although RWU is most known for its 36 specializations in the liberal arts, it is also an institution where students can work toward earning degrees in engineering, architecture, legal studies, graphic design communication, and the life sciences to name a few. In addition, students can apply to RWU to pursue graduate degrees. For more information on the courses offered in the university, visit its official website.

The University of Miami (UM)

Coral Gables, Florida is the place where the University of Miami is located. Founded in 1925, Miami of Florida, The U, or UM is a private university that accommodates students from varying social and cultural backgrounds. 50 US States and 100 countries are proudly said to be represented by the student body of UM. Offered courses and programs in the university include business administration, nursing and health studies, arts and sciences, communication, engineering and architecture. To learn more about the school, its programs, and the application procedure, visit the official website of UM.

Oxford College

The private residential Oxford College was established in 1836 as one of the divisions of Emory University in Oxford, Georgia. Oxford College has various liberal arts courses and programs that students can specialize in. The college, in addition, offers majors in the life sciences, nursing and business as well as joint degrees in engineering. Students in Oxford College are from diverse cultural and social backgrounds and they can pursue further, post-graduate studies in areas such as medicine, law, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and business administration. Visit the college’s official website to learn more.

Humphreys College

Humphreys College is an independent academic institution founded in 1896 by John R. Humphreys, Sr. The school has two campuses, one in Stockton and another in Modesto. Offered in Humphreys are certificates, associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees in fields like the liberal arts, business, law, and human services. Students interested to pursue graduate programs and degrees can also apply to Humphreys for business, law, or management. Learn more about Humphreys, its course and program offerings, and the admission procedure in the official website.

Hofstra University

Hofstra University is a private, non-sectarian school established in 1935 as a college department of the New York University. The college later became the independent Hofstra College before having its name changed to Hofstra University in 1963. Among the 140 liberal arts specializations in Hofstra are communication, the liberal arts and the sciences, health and human services, business, honors studies and education. Students can also pursue premed or prelaw programs as well as a certificate program in Natural Sciences in preparation for advanced studies. To know more about Hofstra University and the programs and courses it offers, check out the official websites. Online application forms can also be downloaded from the admissions page. Read about the admissions procedure to secure a slot in the university.

College study group sessions are meant for college student who work best when they are with a group of other people who have the same goal, and that is, to understand a certain lecture or review for exams in school.

How can college students benefit from a study group?

* A study group provides a conducive atmosphere for studying, like a classroom but with a more relaxed mood. Students who are multi-sensor learners (those who learn best when using the eyes, ears, and when moving) benefit best from this kind of study sessions.

* A study group keeps a college student interested in his or her area of study. This motivation may have been brought about by seeing other people in the group who are focused on the same goal that a student is also focused on. This makes it easier to absorb what a student is studying or reviewing.

Now, if you are a college student, chances are, you might have been or will soon be involved in a study group. How to rev up your study group sessions? Following are some tips:

* Encourage the entire group to keep the focus by planning something fun after the session. The most common problem with a study group is that members sometimes shift discussions to other personal topics such as love lives, jokes, and all other sorts of stories that the study session turns out to be a mere aimless chitchat. Keep the focus by agreeing that you will reserve “non-related” stories after the study group session.

* Try this: elect a study group leader for every study group session. The leader will be in charge of arranging the program of study for the day. That way, the group follows a set program and would not be in a sort of quandary.

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