How do I start a college essay?

Question

I have to start this essay for my dream school and since I started the application process I've been procrastinating writing the essay (I know, not a good thing) because I feel like I don't really know how to start. I have my point, I know what I want to say and kinda how to answer the question and keep the topic, but I don't know how to start it.....

I know I know... lame to ask but I need help, if I don't get admitted in this school I'll be forever sad that's why I'm so stressed and I don't want to make any mistake. Another thing, I'm ESOL and I'm afraid of mistakes since english is not my 1st language. Do you know about any web site that can help? any advices?

Thanks a lot, I'll be forever greatful!

Answer 1

From what I understand, this is your prompt:
What sets you apart from other applicants, based on unique educational or life experiences, personal or family circumstances, obstacles overcome and/or achievements?

Okay. First, think about what you're trying to do. You are trying to get int a highly competitive school like BYU. You have to appear to be the best and brightest.

So you're ESL, you say? I know you, you're Dominican. You moved to the states three years ago. That wasn't easy. You had to leave your friends and family behind. It was motional to move to a new country, a new lanugage, and new culture. A whole new world.

they want to hear that.

Talk about your personal struggles. Talk about your baptism. I know you are worried about your grades, but that is not so important if they know the story behind it.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I can give you some hints , I don't know if it can help you!

You can always use Microsoft word, it's easy it has it's own dictionary, spelling and gramatic check; you put it on and it will underline by red your spelling mistakes and give you suggestions for words and green for gramatical mistakes. i don't know a website for that.

As for composing an essay, you have to keep in mind that it should always have; 1- an introduction (in which you speak about the background of the topic you want to write about, the objectives and aims of your essay, the parts of your essay, etc...).
2- Body of the essay ( In which you elaborate about your topic, try to give good evidence and reasons for your topic you are writing about, try to be analytical)
3- Conclusion ( you conclude all the points you have discussed, you come to one conclusion, you summarize youe essay)

You have to didvide the essay into paragraphs and try to keep it neat and tidy. Don't write so much and don't write so less, it depends on the topic you write about and word limit if there is one. Usually it is accepted to be 10 % - or +.

Whatever you do, you have to keep all the ideas correlated to each other, answering and related the question you have, and make the essay just flow swiftly and smoothly. make it interesting for the reader to read.

I hope this helps, There are certain guidlines for essay writing, but I don't know websites for it.

Answer 3

The one thing I've learned from having written many "Grade A" papers is there are three parts. The Intro, the body and the exit.

1. Intro: Briefly tell us what you are going to tell us.

2. Body: Tell us what you have to say.

3. Exit: Summarize what you just told us.

In each paragraph of the paper, have the first sentence summarize what the rest of the paragraph is going to be about. Then the sentences that follow should support that summary in whatever order that makes sense to you.

In the exit part, don't bring in any new information. Think of it as your intro, just rewritten.

Liesel.

Answer 4

basically, the purpose is to let the colleges know about you and your personality. maybe start with a 'punchline' or an anectdote to lead into your point.

i read the response from the person above me. do you know her or something? is that really your prompt? she sounds so sure of herself about knowing who you are that it's a bit creepy..