How do you start a college application essay?

Answer 1

Start your essay by breaking down the question and thinking about what you'd like the admissions committee to know about you. Is it your adaptability? Your sense of adventure? A particularly value you hold dear?

Once you've developed a concept that directly answers the question, think of how you'll demonstrate it. Specific, personal stories are great here. Jot down the key components, remembering to keep the focus on you.

Now you can sit down to draft your essay, using your outline as a guide. In your first draft, don't worry about making it perfect. Just focus on churning out ideas. This is the time to develop your ideas more fully and make sure you're including key information that will help the admissions committee get to know you.

Then revise, revise, revise. You know you're done when you read it aloud (to yourself or someone else) and everything flows smoothly and addresses the question being asked.