The Best Way to Start & End a College Essay! | Tips for Common App and Supplementals 2023-2024

TL;DR

Weak hooks and conclusions in college essays can greatly affect your chances of admission, but they can be easily fixed by using conflict and posing thought-provoking questions.

Transcript

every year two of the biggest issues that I see in college essays are weak Hooks and poor conclusions what really breaks my heart is not just the fact that these two issues are so prevalent I mean more than half of the essays that we read and edited had these problems it's also the fact that when the hook or conclusion is done poorly it's just done... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔍 College essays: Weak hooks and poor conclusions are common issues that can significantly impact admission chances. However, these problems can be easily fixed with proper attention and revision.
• 🎓 Importance of hooks: College admission officers spend limited time on applications, making it crucial to capture their attention and curiosity. Conflict-based hooks, with high stakes and sensory details, are effective in grabbing readers' attention.
• ❓ Pose a question: Beginning an essay with a thought-provoking question adds intrigue and sets up a narrative that will be answered later in the story. This simple yet effective technique can engage readers from the start.
• 💡 Conclusion focus: Many essay conclusions are clichéd or repetitive, failing to address the "so what?" and "contribution to campus" factors. By reflecting on personal values and connecting them to a larger purpose, a strong conclusion can leave a lasting impression on admission officers.
• 🌟 Contribution to campus: Demonstrating the potential impact and value an applicant brings to campus, whether through tangible or intangible contributions, is a major factor in college admissions. It is essential to communicate how one's unique qualities can enhance the college community.
• ⚡️ Tangible and intangible contributions: Contributions can be concrete, such as using unique skills like 3D printing, or intangible, such as maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity. Both types of contributions have the potential to make a difference on campus.
• 💻 Elevated School: Elevated School offers assistance with various writing needs, including creative and analytical writing, college essays, and college application strategies. Their experienced team can provide valuable feedback and support throughout the application process.
• 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment: Engaging with the Elevated School's content by liking, subscribing, and providing feedback helps spread their free resources to a larger audience and supports their mission of providing quality educational content.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are weak hooks and conclusions in college essays a problem?

Weak hooks and conclusions in college essays can greatly impact a student's chances of admission because they fail to capture the reader's attention and make a lasting impression. College admissions officers spend limited time reviewing each application, and if the essay fails to engage them, it may be quickly skimmed over, reducing the chances of acceptance.

Q: What role does conflict play in creating strong hooks?

Conflict is an effective tool for creating strong hooks because it immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes the essay more compelling. By presenting a conflict, such as a challenging situation or problem, the reader is enticed to continue reading to find out how it is resolved. Conflict adds depth and intrigue to the essay.

Q: Why is it important to pose thought-provoking questions in an essay?

Thought-provoking questions in an essay help to captivate the reader and create curiosity. By posing a question that needs to be answered, the reader is compelled to continue reading to find out the answer. It adds an element of intrigue and encourages the reader to become more invested in the essay.

Q: What is the significance of focusing on contribution to campus in the conclusion?

Focusing on your contribution to campus in the conclusion of your essay helps to provide a sense of purpose and adds value to your application. By demonstrating how you will contribute to the college community, whether through tangible skills or intangible qualities, you showcase your potential impact and demonstrate your alignment with the college's values and goals. This can greatly enhance your chances of acceptance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• College essays with weak hooks and conclusions are very common and can harm your chances of admission.

• Conflict is an effective way to grab the reader's attention and make your essay more engaging.

• Posing thought-provoking questions and focusing on your contribution to campus can make your conclusion stand out.