10 Tips on Writing a Great College Essay to Supplement Your Mediocre GPA and SAT Scores

So you're a Junior in High School, and this fall comes the dreaded college application season. You really don't want to stay at home and go to the JC because your ex is going there and you cannot stand the thought of another two years.
You know that you could have studied more, but it's too late. Your grades are inscribed into your book of life and you are forced to live forever with your lettered imperfections. You have one angle left - your entrance essay.

1) Be specific. Most colleges will give you something really generic, leaving the hard part up to you. The secret? Respond with something really specific. In fact, as a great strategy - the more generic the question, the more specific your answer. The admissions board is comprised of real people, working their 9-5 job, thinking of what to cook for dinner, trying to pay the rent. The last thing they want is "My name is Sue and I love School. All I have ever wanted was to go to College University since I was two. It is a great feeling to think I could go to college." Horrible grammar aside, your admissions counselor will cry out of boredom. Try something a little more interesting. Instead of telling us what, tell us why.

2) Be bold instead of passive. Instead of "My name is Sue and I think I'm cute." Tell them, "My name is Sue, I have been told by my five of close relatives that I am cute." This is still a really bad example for something to put in your essay, but at least you are quantifying, being specific, and avoiding passivity.

3) Don't repeat what's on your application. If your application asks for clubs and you list "Hay is for Horses Club, Hello Kitty Sticker Club president and Magnets aren't only for Science Nerds," don't start your essay with, "In high school I was a member of ..... Hay, Hello, Magnets." This is redundant, and your admissions board already has this information. Only add it as it's relevant to your essay.