Kate Kennedy's List: Colllege Essay Resources

• Use simple psychology: Make them feel that they know you, and it will be harder for them to reject you.

  • This is a fantastic piece of advice.
• At most colleges and universities, recent graduates of the college serve as assistants

  • Know your audience!
• Use simple psychology: Make them feel that they know you, and it will be harder for them to reject you.

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• show the admissions committee what you value, what makes you proud, and what you are capable of accomplishing.

  • Remember to SHOW, don't tell!
• common mistake in answering this question is repeating information that can be found elsewhere in the application.

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  If you feel like you have not done anything worth focusing on, then remind yourself that the best essays are often about modest accomplishments

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• it's YOUR perception of the experience which makes it significant. The prompt is not asking you to choose a "great" experience like a highfaluting job or trip
• Third reading:

  • Notice how much time this reader spends thinking about the prompt BEFORE even considering what to write. You should do this as well with whichever prompt you choose.
• Here are some suggestions about really THINKING THROUGH the essay so you will have something to write about. These suggestions will also help you think as an individual, not the typical straight A student.

  • Spend the time to do this thinking work as well - again, before you write.

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