4 Free Resources to Aid in Writing Your College Essay
Don’t let the process overwhelm you, we’ve lined up the best free resources that will help make your essay standout
Dan Jackman
Federal Employee Education & Assistance FundSitting down and writing your college essay can be a daunting task. A blank page staring back at you with 650 words remaining to set you apart from all the other candidates. Not to mention convincing a total stranger that you belong at their school.
While students may find themselves stuck searching for an impressive topic or story that will jump off the pages, it’s important to remember that Admissions Officers want to know what you have learned, rather than what you did.
“It’s the one place in your admissions application where admissions officers get to hear about you. Who you are and what you value in your own voice,” says Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review in his College Admissions 101 web series.
As Franek mentions, the key for students in writing your college essay is finding your voice. A voice that distinguishes you and allows you to connect with the reader through an experience that has shaped you into who you are.
Finding the time to craft your essay during the school year is easier said than done, with multiple priorities all vying for your attention. Take a deep breath!
The summer months offer a great opportunity for rising seniors to begin writing your college essay, including the personal statement. Prompts for the personal statement for the Common App post on May 1, meaning you can begin crafting essays over the summer.
While many high schools have well-established college counseling programs that guide students through the essay writing process, others may find limited resources within their schools. If you need additional support, we have several resources listed below, including FEEA sponsored assistance from Tutor.com.
And while you will find an endless number of blogs related to crafting the “perfect” college essay, we can sum them all up with three points: Be authentic, proofread, and tell your story as only you can tell it.
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