Don't be intimidated by college or any other essays simply because they don't not differ too much from the essays normally written in High School. The essay structure is the same as any other essays — it has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The only real difference is that it is meant to be submitted to college admissions offices and persuade them that you are a worthy candidate.
An effective essay structure combines certain characteristics of narrative and argumentative essays. The college essay is supposed to tell college admission officers about the applicant.
The narrative essay, as the name suggests, contains a story which leads to an insight. In the case of the college essay, the story has to be about the applicant. It has to be true and personal. Most colleges provide a topic question which should be answered truthfully; but if there is none, make sure that the essay tells your story. The college essay does not have to be unique it just has to be true and persuasive enough to convince anyone who reads it to take you seriously.
The structure is the most important element in writing a college essay, and since it is a personal essay, it can be easy to get lost in one’s thoughts and end up writing about a completely different topic from the original.
The technique is to first answer the question in one sentence. This sentence is also called the thesis statement. Then, divide the thoughts in your thesis statement—these will guide you with the flow of your essay. Keep in mind that the college essay is divided into the narrative and the argument as well. A separate outline for the narrative would be useful. Be sure to include in your essay structure only all the necessary details that will lead you and the reader inevitably towards your insight.
The argumentative part is more flexible than the narrative part. It may be incorporated in the narration or it may be discussed in the end, with the or as the conclusion. The argument should not be exaggerated; it should be concise, clear, and related to the whole essay.
Coherence is the most crucial characteristic of any effective essay structure. This kind of essay is easier to read and follow, thus the admissions officer will not have trouble stitching up the narration and the insight, and be better able to focus on the content.
An effective essay structure combines certain characteristics of narrative and argumentative essays. The college essay is supposed to tell college admission officers about the applicant.
The narrative essay, as the name suggests, contains a story which leads to an insight. In the case of the college essay, the story has to be about the applicant. It has to be true and personal. Most colleges provide a topic question which should be answered truthfully; but if there is none, make sure that the essay tells your story. The college essay does not have to be unique it just has to be true and persuasive enough to convince anyone who reads it to take you seriously.
The structure is the most important element in writing a college essay, and since it is a personal essay, it can be easy to get lost in one’s thoughts and end up writing about a completely different topic from the original.
The technique is to first answer the question in one sentence. This sentence is also called the thesis statement. Then, divide the thoughts in your thesis statement—these will guide you with the flow of your essay. Keep in mind that the college essay is divided into the narrative and the argument as well. A separate outline for the narrative would be useful. Be sure to include in your essay structure only all the necessary details that will lead you and the reader inevitably towards your insight.
The argumentative part is more flexible than the narrative part. It may be incorporated in the narration or it may be discussed in the end, with the or as the conclusion. The argument should not be exaggerated; it should be concise, clear, and related to the whole essay.
Coherence is the most crucial characteristic of any effective essay structure. This kind of essay is easier to read and follow, thus the admissions officer will not have trouble stitching up the narration and the insight, and be better able to focus on the content.