Many students are required to write a school essay for college applications. If you are one of them, it’s important that you take the time to think about the topic carefully and find a unique angle to approach the essay. A great essay can make a big difference in your chances of getting accepted to the school of your choice. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Start with a plan: Having a good idea of the essay you’re going to write will allow you to organize your thoughts and write more clearly. Try making a diagram to organize your ideas and make it easier to draft the essay. Write a draft: While it may seem obvious, writing a draft is critical in the essay-writing process. It allows you to see the flaws in your argument and fix them before you submit your final essay. It also gives you the opportunity to revise before the deadline.

Choose a topic that you care about: Your essay will be read by people who don’t know you, so it is important to make sure the topic resonates with you. If you don’t care about the subject, it will be obvious in your writing. If you are not sure what to write about, consider looking up some essay prompts online to inspire you or asking for advice from a teacher or counselor.

Insert the school into your narrative: One of the most common mistakes students make when writing a school essay is forgetting to incorporate the school into their narrative. It’s important to remember that admissions readers will be evaluating your essay for their unique schools, not just as a potential student, but as a person who would fit in well with the community and culture of the school.

Be genuine: It’s important that your essay sounds genuine. Don’t try to impress the reader by writing about some grand accomplishments, or by praising the school for its amazing traditions and academic programs. Admissions readers will be able to tell when you are being inauthentic, and it will have a negative impact on your application.

Avoid overusing clichés: While it is okay to use some common words or phrases in your essay, avoid overusing them. It will make your essay sound too generic, and it will be difficult for readers to connect with you as a person.

The best way to write a school essay is to be honest and genuine. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher or counselor, and be prepared to write multiple drafts before your essay is finished. Also, be sure to set aside some time to let your essay rest before you begin revising it again. By taking the time to do it right, you can be sure that your school essay is a strong contender for acceptance. Best of luck!