Whoever first said that you should worry only about the things you can control was not helping to ease the concerns of the student writing his or her application essay. By that criterion, the student-writer should be very worried indeed. The scariest aspect of the admissions essay is that you have total control over it. With our help, you will learn to see the essay-writing process not as a daunting obstacle but as a stimulating opportunity. When you send out your application, you will--in theory--have nothing left to worry about, knowing that you have capitalized on all the means available to you.

The college admissions process is extremely selective. Talented and motivated students from around the world compete against each other for a scarce number of spots. Facing the difficult task of choosing among often indistinguishable candidates, admissions officers must rely heavily on those factors that provide insight into the applicants' characters, and these usually boil down to recommendations and essays. Although you can and should choose your recommendation writers carefully, the essay remains the only aspect of your application over which you have total control.

What makes the essay such a useful measure is that it represents you on two fronts: the substantive details of your experiences themselves and the style and approach you take in presenting them. Both aspects can say a great deal about your abilities and qualities.

The number-one mistake that writers make is to stick to formulas and thus  end up blending in with everyone else. The purpose of this guide is not to teach formulas, but rather to give the necessary direction for you to create an original and effective essay. We will teach you how to choose appropriate topics and themes, how to structure your essay as a coherent and flowing piece, and how to convey your ideas through engaging and active language.

Next > Lesson 1: What Do 'They' Look For?