Seven Secrets For Writing Standout College Application Essays
Oct 16, 2014. In my seventh year speaking in the St Clair County KnowHow2Go Ask an Expert Series, I presented “Seven Secrets for Writing a Standout College Application Essay.” The first secret concerns how to smash writer’s block: sledgehammer optional.
If you don’t have a sledgehammer, what is the best way to smash writer’s block? Brainstorm by writing lists and freewrites, where you set a timer for ten minutes while you write about a prompt and keep the pen moving, without worrying about spelling, punctuation or grammar (as described in Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg).
[Looking for some great ideas for first sentences? Here are some examples.]
Eighty parents and students listened to my talk, and afterwards I had a Q and A with the parental units, while the students worked on their essay one-on-one with St. Clair teachers and administrators.
The Seven Secrets (shhhhh!)
- Smash writer’s block.
- What have you done that you feel good about?
- Think about a real moment to write about.
- You, 2.0.
- Rope in readers from the first word.
- Be a private investigator.
- Edit, edit, edit.
Here’s a video from the evening:
My thanks again to Cathy Busdicker and Joanne Hopper and the St. Clair County RESA and Knowhow2go for inviting me to speak at their “Ask An Expert” Series.
[Need more assistance with writing your story or your college application essay? Would you like to work with an award-winning writer who helps businesses, authors and students tell their story in a compelling, meaningful way? Write Debbie Merion: debbie@essaycoaching.com ]
