The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays: Step-by-Step Instructions

By Kathy Hahn

Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times in a student's life. Not only are you faced with the task of finding the perfect school for you, but you also have to find scholarships to be able to go to the school you want. These two intertwining obstacles require a lengthy application and a seemingly perfect essay. The essay topic is crucial to demonstrate your values, creativity, and depth of knowledge, and the writing is important because it reflects your power of persuasion, organizational skills, and style. This new book will teach you how to write effective applications and essays for college admissions and scholarships, helping shoulder some of the weight of applying.

The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays For Admissions and Scholarships will provide you with all the tools you need to complete your application and write a winning essay. You will learn how to choose a topic, keep your focus narrow and personal, edit and revise, tweak essays to use them on various applications, choose your tone and structure, avoid the common pitfalls, and how to overcome writer's block.

In addition, you will learn strategies for getting started, requirements for application, and critical writing tips. This book has sample essays and essay questions, and even examples of the essays specific colleges use.

Admissions officers have chimed in with their expertise to provide insider information on how to compose impressive applications and essays for admissions and scholarships. Whether you are a high school freshman seeking a head start or a senior hoping to glean some last minute tips, this book is your answer. The companion CD-ROM is not available for download with this electronic version of the book but it may be obtained separately by contacting Atlantic Publishing Group at [e-mail].

Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president’s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

This Atlantic Publishing eBook was professionally written, edited, fact checked, proofed and designed. The print version of this book is 288 pages and you receive exactly the same content. Over the years our books have won dozens of book awards for content, cover design and interior design including the prestigious Benjamin Franklin award for excellence in publishing. We are proud of the high quality of our books and hope you will enjoy this eBook version.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Group Inc.
• Release date: Dec 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781601385512

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The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays

Step-by-Step Instructions

By Kathy L. Hahn & Colleen M. Loew

The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays: Step-By-Step Instructions

Copyright © 2008 by Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.

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Web site: www.atlantic-pub.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

SAN Number: 268-1250

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be sent to Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc., 1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34471.

This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to give or sell this ebook to anyone else. If you received this publication from anyone other than an authorized seller you have received a pirated copy. Please contact us via e-mail at [e-mail] and notify us of the situation.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-221-4

ISBN-10: 1-60138-221-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hahn, Kathy Lynn, 1957-

The complete guide to writing effective college applications & essays

: step-by-step instructions by Kathy Lynn Hahn

and Colleen M. Loew.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-221-4 (alk. paper)

ISBN-10: 1-60138-221-9 (alk. paper)

1. College applications--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Loew, Colleen

M., 1973- II. Title.

LB2351.5.H34 2008

378.1’616--dc22

2008032593

LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Web site is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Web site may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Web sites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.

This Atlantic Publishing eBook was professionally written, edited, fact checked, proofed and designed. Over the years our books have won dozens of book awards for content, cover design and interior design including the prestigious Benjamin Franklin award for excellence in publishing. We are proud of the high quality of our books and hope you will enjoy this eBook version, which is the same content as the print version.

The companion CD-ROM is not available for download with this electronic version of the book but it may be obtained separately by contacting Atlantic Publishing Group at [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Author Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: Are You Cut Out for College?

Chapter 2: What College Will Best Suit You?

Chapter 3: How do You Begin to Prepare for College?

Chapter 4: A Few Words About Standardized Tests

Chapter 5: Did Someone Say Options?

Chapter 6: Selecting Students: A College’s Write

Chapter 7: What Do They Truly Want to See and Hear in an Essay?

Chapter 8: You Know What They Want, but How do You Prepare to Write This Thing?

Chapter 9: Some More Grist for the Preliminary Writing Mill

Chapter 10: Some Possible Essay Thought-Starters

Chapter 11: Ready, Set, Write (Phase I)

Chapter 12: Ready, Set, Write (Phases II & III)

Chapter 13: You Have Written- Now Wait and Listen

Chapter 14: An Excerpted Summation and Tips from Another Source

Appendix I: Self-Reflection and Application Essay(s)

Appendix II: Some Scholarship Websites

Glossary

Bibliography

Co-author Biographies

More Great Titles from Atlantic Publishing

Author Acknowledgments

Kathy L. Hahn

I love to write. It is my greatest passion, and I have never felt anything more satisfying than dotting that last i or crossing that final t, knowing I have produced something of worth that will help or entertain others. In reality, there is nothing I would rather do than make a full list of everyone who has helped me along the way… not only to write this book, but whose influence in my life has made it possible for me to be sitting here today, but this is a good start, and I thank you all:

To start, my mother, born LaVerne A. Cordrey, who passed away over 20 years ago, but who first allowed me to foster the dream of authorship when I was a child.

Joan Lasko, an incredibly special woman whose optimism, energy, encouragement, and four college-educated children have helped significantly in developing this book.

Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Spencer, who I knew first as a literature instructor, then professional mentor/colleague and friend at Cincinnati State, has been the most instrumental influence in my higher education since my return to college in 2003.

Other education-related mentors I should mention: Drs. Tyrone Williams, Christina Fisanick, Norman Finklestein, Jodi Wyett, and Grayley Herren, all of Xavier University; Eileen Andrews, Connie Campbell, Joyce Rimlinger, Sait Tarhan, and Drs. Jean Timberlake, Andrea Leslie and Ronald Craig, and also all of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

Sandi Tarr-Brown, Bambi A. Goodman and Christine Cotting for helping me develop the skills to be able to put myself out there as a professional editor.

Everyone else (two- and four-legged) who has been a friend, colleague, or student, for enriching my life and, in turn, enhancing my writing ability.

–Kathy L. Hahn, July 17, 2008

Colleen M. Loew

I dedicate this to my Dad, who is always there for me, through the good times and the bad.

Table of Contents

Foreword

A DECISION THAT WILL IMPACT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

As a college professor who has actively been involved in recruiting students and as a Web site publisher who provides resources to help students find colleges and universities that are a good fit, I am keenly aware of how important a decision it is for high school students and their families when it comes to apply to college.

Over the years, I have literally talked with thousands of college-bound students, and am pleased to both offer some words of wisdom about applying to college as well as provide an endorsement for this wonderful book.

While more and more high school students are attending college than ever before, it’s still a privilege that deserves your full attention, as well as a great deal of time and effort. It is certainly a decision you should not take lightly.

While you may be feeling a great deal of stress about what colleges to apply to, where you might best fit in, and which schools will accept you, the good news is that you’ve decided to attend college. I don’t want to say where you attend is not important – because it is – but the bigger picture is about the importance of obtaining a college education. Studies show that college grads have much higher earning potential than those with just a high school diploma – and in general, leader better, longer, and healthier lives.

There are literally thousands of colleges that you could apply to, and your task now is to narrow the list to a select few that best fit your needs and interests. As you are narrowing your list of potential schools, of course, you should be looking not only at how well the school fits you but how well you fit the school. In the end, most experts say you should apply to a handful of colleges and universities that fall into three categories: schools that are a bit of a stretch for you (based on your academic credentials), but which you would love to attend; schools that are a good fit for you and that you expected to get accepted to; and one or two schools that you are almost guaranteed to be accepted to (often called safety schools). You can certainly apply to more schools, but with detailed applications to complete and rising application fees, most students end up applying to anywhere from 6-10 colleges and universities.

College and university admissions officers are looking for well-rounded students who can become vital members of the academic and social lives of their campuses. There are four keys to your college application. First are your high school grades, class ranking, and strength of classes. Second is your community involvement – including extracurricular activities, volunteering efforts, and leadership experiences. Third is your standardized test scores – your SAT or ACT scores. These three elements often are the main deciding factors colleges use in choosing which students to accept. The fourth key is your college application essay, which can be the deciding factor in pushing your application from limbo (decline or wait list) to acceptance.

One of the things I love about the book you hold in your hands is that it is NOT just about writing a great essay that is going to help get you admitted to the college of your choice, but it is more of a comprehensive guide to finding AND applying to college – written in a casual style sure to keep your attention.

But because your college essay can truly be the deciding factor in whether you get accepted to a particular college, the strength of this book lies in the second half in which you’ll get really great advice, suggestions, and tips on how to write college essays that will catch – and hold – the attention of the admissions decision-makers.

If you are seeking a general overview of the process of choosing a college and a strategic guide for writing your college essays then Kathy Hahn’s The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications and Essays is the right choice for you.

In the final analysis, remember to choose a college that best fits you – your needs in terms of academics, size, location, and cost. Where you attend college will be home for at least four years – and you want a place that feels right. Finally, remember two things as you continue on to reading this book. First, your goal should be your college degree, and you can get that from any college of your choice. Second, if you get to college and you discover it is not the experience you expected, remember that you can always transfer to a college that better fits you.

Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

-CEO of EmpweringSites.com

-Founder & Publisher of Quintessential Careers (QuintCareers.com)

-Author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Choosing a College Major and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Study Skills (Alpha).

Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his entire adult life – to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional philosophy statement. Dr. Hansen is also founder of Quintessential Careers (QuintCareers.com), one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He’s often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. His current books include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Choosing a College Major and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Study Skills (Alpha).

Table of Contents

Introduction

For many students, the thought of going to college is a harrowing, nail-biting prospect. Students may ask themselves What am I doing? How can I accomplish this? How am I going to get in? Where will I go? What will I do once I get there? These questions are only a few of many that will soon be addressed, and it is often difficult to find easy answers, mainly because there are none (easy, that is). But nothing worthwhile in life ever comes easily, and there will always be a reason to nibble at those nails; the college decision will be one of the more delectable because it reaps a harvest that will last a lifetime.

With any luck, you and your parents have been communicating about this decision, and they have been supportive and yet respectful of your need to think for yourself, but the college dilemma can be made even worse by continual questions from well-meaning relatives, teachers, and friends—especially those who frame their questions with a definite bias:

Uncle Joe: So, have you decided where you would like to go to school? You know, Ohio State football has some of the best tailgate parties—even back in my day, we would get there in the early morning and by the time the game started, we were bombed. I still go to Columbus every summer to see my old buds and we get together for beers and—

Aunt Mary (despite a discrete elbow to her husband’s well-padded ribs): Joe also still knows a few of the alumni who are faculty members; you know … I am sure they would recommend you.

Mrs. Dunne, Advanced Placement (AP) English teacher: So, are you going to Iowa? I know Judy (older sister) truly enjoyed their Fine Arts program; did not she get her Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) just last year?

Brian (boyfriend): I am a cinch to get into wherever I apply; if you came with me, we could get an off-campus apartment.

Brenda (best friend since elementary school): I wish you were coming with me to Hollins—you are such a good writer, and I will really miss you.

Gert and Edna, long-time nosy (but lovable) next-door widowed sisters: We do hope you will stay right here in Hometown for your studies, dear—how will we ever get along without you? And who will help us with the yard and eat our pies and cookies?

Actually, you had not even thought of that … the homemade baked goods are delicious, and you have been doing yard work and gardening for them since you were old enough to handle the mower … the ladies are getting older and will be needing even more help, and they pay well … but you certainly cannot base your future on Edna’s blueberry pie and Gert’s begonias. (In case the guilt-trip they are innocently laying on you begins to work, bear in mind that there are other neighborhood kids who will jump at the chance to make some money and eat well at the same time.)

Before I continue, I should emphasize that, despite some humorous sidebars and a truly laid-back approach, this book is directed toward students who intend to make the most of the educational opportunity, because that is the most important reason for going to college. This does not mean you cannot enjoy Uncle Joe’s tailgate parties; however, they should not be the final determining factor in whether Ohio State would be right—or wrong—for you. Buckeye tailgate parties are optional, you can choose to go or steer clear; the thing to consider first and foremost is: does Ohio State offer the program you want?

Let me say this, right upfront: if in all honesty the tailgate-party opportunity is indeed your number-one priority, you might as well forget about college; you can find a minimum-wage hard-labor job and party all you want for much less money and effort. Furthermore, you are clearing up a space for a student who in reality does want to attend and make the most of the opportunity. Yet, if you are looking forward to those parties as an occasional means of recreation and socializing amid studies for a professional and rewarding career, this indicates a healthy balance and is no indication that you would not succeed. Uncle Joe would probably agree; he just likes to tease you with boasting of his parties because he is trying to be cool and show he identifies with you. It is annoying as hell, but his intentions are good.

And what of your other college-aspiration inquisitors? Although Mrs. Dunne has been a positive influence throughout your high school days and has always complimented your work to the highest degree, she never could quite understand that references to Judy—and there have been many—always made you uncomfortable. The thought of attending yet another school in which you might always be asked How is Judy? and compared to her simply does not interest you—especially because you do not actually want an MFA; you are more into journalism than the Fine Arts. (Let’s not even mention that you find the mountains of Missoula, Montana and the University of Montana’s well-renowned School of Journalism far more appealing than endless cornfields surrounding Iowa City.)

As far as Brian and Brenda are concerned, this may be a little tougher, emotionally speaking, but the truth is that in the case of the former, you will miss him if he goes away to school but—trust me—at this age, you are truly not ready for that kind of commitment, particularly if you are talking about assuming the responsibility of a lease. The TV court shows (and real-life dockets) are filled to the brim with problems incurred from broken college-student leases when a relationship has taken a distinctive turn southward and/or one has trusted roommates who turned out to be less than scrupulous. At this stage of your life, this is not a wise idea.

As to the latter, going to an all-female school, despite its stellar writing program, is not your cup o’ Starbucks, and therefore would not be a smart decision. In this day of text-messaging, e-mailing and free long-distance cell phones, even if college takes you in different directions, you are in reality never going to lose touch with those you care about; again, this should not be a deciding factor unless the educational benefits warrant it.

Along these lines, you must also keep in mind that the college experience will glean many more friendships and acquaintances—new people to join the network of everyone who has thus far befriended and influenced you up to this point in your life. Your present circle, formed by the first 17-19 years, will soon be aligned with another, new circle, which will in turn expand and lead to more … these circles will eventually begin to intersect (think of the Olympic logo or the inevitable Venn diagrams in math class), and you will one day find that you have developed and are part of a wonderful system of human support. Meeting new people does not mean abandoning the old; rather, the combination of both will provide a wider base of emotional support and offer many different avenues of resource further down the road, when college is just a memory and you are helping your own child go through this stage—but, hey, let’s get your degree first.

Although I have already stated (and restated) that educational goals should be the first concern, there are many factors to weigh,