Writing a high school application essay can be a daunting experience. It’s an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you actually are beyond your grades and test scores. But writing an essay that stands out from the crowd can also be challenging.
This blog post will show you the secrets to crafting a stand-out high school application essay. We’ll start by discussing what makes a great essay and then provide tips on brainstorming ideas, outlining, and writing. Finally, we’ll offer examples of outstanding high school application essays and give some tips for writing a stand-out piece.
What Makes a Great High School Application Essay?
A great high school application essay tells a story about who you are and what you care about; it should be clear, concise, engaging, and show the admissions committee why your personal philosophy is a good fit for the school.
Your essay should be well-structured and organized, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should address a single point, and the writing should flow naturally from one paragraph to the next.
Your essay should also convey your unique personality and voice. It is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are, so make sure your piece reflects your values and beliefs.
Finally, your essay should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Take the time to proofread and edit your essay before submitting it.
Brainstorming Ideas for Your Essay
The first step in writing a stand-out high school application essay is brainstorming ideas for your paper. Start by thinking about what makes you unique – What sets you apart from other applicants? What experiences have shaped you and your views?
Write down any ideas that come to mind. Don’t worry if they don’t make a great essay at first – you can refine them later. The important thing is to get your thoughts down on paper. You can also talk to friends, family, and teachers to get ideas for your essay. Ask them what makes you unique and think back on experiences that have shaped you. You may be surprised by the insights they offer.
Crafting an Outline
Once you have a list of ideas, it’s time to start crafting an outline for your essay. An outline is a plan for your essay that will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your writing flows naturally.
Start by listing your main points. These should be the points that you want to make in your essay. For example, if you discuss your academic interests, you might list it as one of your main points.
Next, list the supporting points for each main point. These should be the points you want to make in each body paragraph. For example, if you list “Academic Interests” as one of your main points, you might list “Interest in Science” and “Interest in Literature” as two of your supporting points.
Finally, list the evidence you will use to support your points. It may include personal experiences, stories, or quotes from books or articles.
Writing Your Essay
Once you have your outline, it’s time to start writing your essay. Start with your introduction. It should be a brief paragraph that introduces the main points of your essay.
Next, write your body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should address one of your main points and provide evidence to support it. Make sure you stay focused on the point and don’t go off on tangents.
Finally, write your conclusion. The conclusion should be a brief paragraph summarizing your essay’s main points and providing a call to action.
Editing Your Essay
Once you’ve written your essay, it’s essential to take the time to edit and revise it. Read your essay aloud or have a friend or family member read it, which will help you identify any typos or grammar errors.
It’s also essential to make sure that your essay is clear, concise, and engaging. Read your paper from an outsider’s perspective and make sure it makes sense. If any points seem unclear or irrelevant, cut them out.
Finally, make sure that your essay conveys your unique personality and voice. Reread your composition and make sure that it reflects your values and beliefs.
Examples of Outstanding High School Application Essays
If you’re looking for inspiration for your high school application essay, there are plenty of examples of outstanding essays online. Here are a few of the best:
“My Most Meaningful Experience” by a student at the University of Chicago
“The Impact of My Father’s Job on My Life” by a student at Yale University
“My Passion for Problem-Solving” by a student at Stanford University
“My Journey as a Young Leader” by a student at Harvard University
These essays are great examples of how to write a stand-out high school application essay.
Tips for Writing a Stand-Out High School Application Essay
Now that you’ve seen some examples of outstanding high school application essays, here are some tips for writing your stand-out essay:
- Start early: Give yourself time to brainstorm ideas, craft an outline, and write and edit your paper.
- Show, don’t tell: Use vivid descriptions and stories to paint a picture of who you are.
- Be yourself: Make sure your essay reflects your values and beliefs.
- Get feedback: Ask a friend or family member to read your essay and give you feedback.
- Proofread: Take the time to edit and proofread your piece before submitting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about writing a high school application essay:
- How long should my essay be?
- Your essay should be between 500 and 1000 words.
- What should I include in my essay?
- Your essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should address a single point, and the writing should flow naturally from one paragraph to the next.
- How do I make my essay stand out?
- To make your essay stand out, ensure it conveys your unique personality and voice. Show, don’t tell, and use vivid descriptions and stories to paint a picture of who you are.
- How do I proofread my essay?
- The best way to proofread your essay is to read it aloud or have a friend or family member read it, and this will help you identify any typos or grammar errors.
Conclusion
Writing a high school application essay can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can craft a stand-out essay that will make you stand out. Start by brainstorming ideas for your essay and crafting an outline. Then, write your essay, edit it, and proofread it. Finally, use examples of outstanding high school application essays for inspiration and follow the tips in this post to write a stand-out piece. Good luck with your high school application essay!
