The Essay

Do

• Use plenty of time to revise, reword, and rewrite.
• Write about something you know about.
• Reveal yourself, be personal and genuine.
• Give examples to illustrate topic.
• Write in your own style and voice.
• Read and follow the directions.
• The discussion is more important than the subject.
• Be sure that you adequately answer the question.
• Make sure your first and final paragraphs are strong.
• Be sure your name and social security number are at the top of  each page.
• Write a different essay for each college applied to- tailor the essay to that college.

Don’t

• Write what you think others want to hear.
• Use “I” or “me” in every sentence.
• Don’t write about yourself in the third person.
• Don’t write about “trendy” topics.
• Don’t use clichés.
• Do not use the words “very” and “really”.
• Exaggerate.
• Use flowery style.
• Neglect technical part of essay.
• Ramble.
• Handwrite your essay.