Watch THIS Before Starting Your Common App Essay

TL;DR

Learn a formula to craft an impactful Common App essay.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Key Insights

• Avoid clichéd topics like sports injuries, tragedies, or merely listing achievements, as they are overused and lack originality.
• Consider writing about everyday activities or experiences in a unique way, as these can offer fresh perspectives.
• Using a motif essay, which connects a personal object to a classical and secret theme, can significantly enhance your essay.
• Distilling your essay into three to five focused words, including a classical theme, helps maintain clarity and direction.
• A secret theme, unique to your experience, adds depth and originality, setting your essay apart from others.
• Starting the essay writing process early, ideally before October, significantly increases chances of acceptance.
• Most successful essays undergo 7-8 drafts, emphasizing the need for thorough revision and refinement.
• Developing a realistic timeline for drafting your essay helps manage time efficiently and reduces last-minute stress.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some common essay topics to avoid?

Common essay topics to avoid include sports injuries, musical or athletic performances, tragedies related to death, divorce, or abuse, and essays that simply list achievements. These topics are often overused and do not offer unique insights into the applicant's personality or experiences.

Q: What makes a good college essay topic?

A good college essay topic is one that offers a fresh perspective on an everyday activity or experience. It should be personal and unique, allowing the applicant to showcase their individuality and creativity. Examples include writing about a humbling work experience or a personal failure that led to growth.

Q: How can the motif essay be beneficial?

The motif essay is beneficial because it connects a personal object to a classical theme and a unique, personal theme. This structure allows for a cohesive narrative that is both meaningful and distinctive, helping the essay stand out in the application process.

Q: Why is it important to focus your essay on key words?

Focusing your essay on three to five key words, including a classical theme, ensures that the narrative remains clear and focused. This approach helps in maintaining a consistent message throughout the essay, making it easier for the reader to understand the applicant's core values and personality.

Q: What role does the secret theme play in an essay?

The secret theme adds depth and originality to an essay. It is a unique aspect of the applicant's personality or experience that is not commonly considered by others. Incorporating a secret theme helps the essay stand out by providing a fresh perspective and showcasing the applicant's creativity.

Q: How many drafts are recommended for a successful essay?

For a successful essay, it is recommended to go through 7-8 drafts. This process of revision and refinement ensures that the essay is polished and effectively communicates the applicant's message. Each draft allows for improvements in clarity, coherence, and overall impact.

Q: Why is starting the essay early advantageous?

Starting the essay early is advantageous because it allows ample time for brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Early planning reduces stress and increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality essay. It also provides the opportunity to explore multiple ideas and themes before settling on the most compelling narrative.

Q: How can a realistic timeline improve the essay writing process?

A realistic timeline helps manage the essay writing process by breaking it down into manageable steps. It ensures that there is enough time for each stage, from brainstorming to final revisions. This approach prevents last-minute stress and allows for thoughtful reflection and refinement, leading to a more effective essay.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video advises against common essay topics like sports injuries and tragedies, suggesting instead unique perspectives on everyday experiences. It introduces a formula involving a personal object, classical theme, and secret theme to create a compelling essay.

• Focusing your essay on three to five key words, including a classical theme, ensures a clear narrative. Starting early and drafting multiple times is crucial, with a recommendation of 7-8 drafts for a top-tier essay.

• The importance of early planning and drafting is emphasized to avoid the stress of last-minute writing. A realistic timeline can help manage the workload, leading to a more polished and effective essay.