Whether your student is applying to college or starting a new grade level, chances are she’ll need to write a school essay. While the topics and types of essays can vary from one assignment to another, there are a few stages and thought processes that all students must go through in order to write an effective essay.
As with all essay writing, ideas and organization are the first step. Students should spend a lot of time brainstorming and creating a visual organizer so that when it comes to writing, the essay flows smoothly. Students should also practice making the most of their vocabulary by using vivid verbs and swapping out common words for more interesting ones.
It’s also important to help students understand that they need to be willing to share their opinions, even if others may disagree. Having a strong point of view about something that matters to a student is a great way to show their critical thinking skills and leadership abilities. The essay is also a good opportunity to express a student’s unique interests and passions, especially if they are not easily summed up on a resume.
Many colleges ask students to respond to a “why our school” prompt, which is designed to help admissions officers assess a student’s fit for their institution. When tackling this type of essay, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to guess what the admission committee wants to read. This can lead to an essay that sounds like a canned response, such as discussing an extracurricular activity or the covid-19 pandemic, unless your child has a story about these topics that is truly unique and personal to her.
Another mistake is over-indulging in hyperbole or extraneous adjectives. Huguet explains that it’s best to let the reader see the student’s character traits and beliefs rather than simply telling them. This can be done by describing specific experiences or interactions, such as a conversation with a professor who made a lasting impression.
It’s also a good idea to have students include a Works Cited page at the end of their essay. This shows that the information they are providing isn’t all their own and gives the reader a place to find additional sources. With a bit of guidance and practice, your child can write a school essay that will make a positive impact on the admissions officer who reads it.
