This book is a guide for students writing their college admissions essays, primarily the 650-word Common App essay and supplementary essays that many schools require as part of their admission applications. With more students applying to college, and those students applying to more schools than ever before, college admission selection is far more competitive than in the past and the college essay is a key component.

We offer suggestions on good topics to write about without getting too specific (and just as importantly what not to write about), vital tips on writing approach, grammar, and usage. This guide can be for anyone who wants to write better, more clearly and crisply. If used properly, this book will help you craft a readable, interesting essay that will attract the college admissions reader by giving you a creative voice and the means to express yourself. No guarantees, but it just might make a difference in the final admission process.

Cory Franklin is an intensive care physician turned essayist who has published four books.

Suzanne Franklin is a college counselor with more than 20 years of experience helping students with their choice of school (everywhere from community college to the Ivy League).

Linda Black is a college counselor with more than 20 years of experience helping students with their choice of school (everywhere from community college to the Ivy League).

Paul Weingarten is a former senior member of theChicago Tribune Editorial Board.

Epigraph

Preface

Introduction

Starting Out: Confronting the Blank ScreenThe First Step: Picking a PromptWhat To Do and What Not To Do When You Begin WritingMore Advice As You WriteThe Prompts and Some Illustrative EssaysThe Supplemental EssaySpecial Creative QuestionsSpecial Usage Rules for College EssaysSpecial Usage Rules IIEditingAn Interview With An Experienced College CounselorYou Hit the Submit Button, Now What?What If You Dont Get Your First Choice? Hint: Life Doesnt End