Tips for writing a killer college essay

Lake Erie College has already noticed an increase in applications for the Fall 2010 semester. With Admissions Counselors processing more applications than ever before, it's important to make sure your application stands out so you are given the highest consideration for admission and scholarship opportunities.

One of the most important components of your application is your essay. Your essay is your opportunity to introduce yourself as a candidate for admission. We want to know all about you; what you like, what you don't like, what has influenced you and made you the person you are today. We want to know why you make an excellent candidate for admission.

I've read a lot of really fantastic essays in my 3 years as an Admissions Counselor. I've also read some awful, almost offensive ones. Here are four quick tips to writing a killer college essay:

Tip #1: Take it seriously
Two years ago I denied an academically qualified candidate for admission because his essay stated that he wanted to attend LEC because of the hot girl he saw on his tour. He then gave a fairly detailed account of what he would do to that girl. Yes - seriously, this happened, and I was disgusted. Even if he was "joking", I would never put a current student in jeopardy by admitting a student that could potentially stalk her.

Write something insightful. Show us that you are mature enough to handle being independent in college. Also remember that the essay you write for your application will remain in your permanent college file. Your professors and even future employers may be reading it at some point. Don't let it come back to haunt you.

Tip #2: Follow directions
If we ask for a minimum of 500 words, don't write 2 sentences. If a prompt is given, answer the question and don't cut and copy an English essay you just wrote about Beowulf. Attention to detail is key in college and in the "real world" - show us you're ready for the challenge.

Tip #3: Be yourself
Don't be who you think we want you to be. It's a great accomplishment to take every AP course offered by your high school - but your transcripts will tell us that. Tell us something unique about yourself - tell us what you are passionate about. Of course we care about your academic accomplishments, but there is much more to you than a grade point average and standardized test score! Help us see that!

Tip #4: Proofread, then proofread it again...
It goes back to the attention to detail - check for grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. Ask friends and family members to read it over. Mixing up their, there and they're or spelling a lot alot will not fly with your English 101 professor and making lazy mistakes like this will definitely not impress the admissions committee. Get in the habit of proofreading now - this is something you will have to do for the rest of your life!

Academically borderline or below average students have been admitted to Lake Erie based on their awesome essay. On the other hand, we have passed on accepting high achievers because of what they wrote.

Senior year is a busy time, and writing that college essay is one small thing on your long to-do list... but the college you attend will impact the rest of your life. Don't settle for your second or third choice just because you were too lazy to take your time on your essay. I promise, your friends will be hanging out tomorrow night, too. Take tonight to focus on your essay!