Scholastic records and entrance test results don't provide any clue about an applicant's personality or characteristics. A college admission essay is the only way for admission officers to get to know you outside the context of academic performance. In writing the draft of your college application essay, take note of the fact that you should begin first by telling the readers about the basics. Write something about your hobbies and interests and how you grew to love them. For instance, you can say you developed your interest in photography when you were on a family vacation to Europe and saw the picture-perfect historical destinations. You can also say something about the musical instrument you play in your Church's music ministry. If you indicate that you are fond of teaching toddlers, support this by sharing something about your weekend volunteer stint in the neighborhood daycare center or orphanage. Always add supporting information that would further convince your readers that you really enjoy doing hobbies or interests included in your essay.

When you're already done with the first guideline, proceed to writing something about your selling points. A college admission essay works like a very subtle promotional material. Although you should definitely avoid bloating your essay with self platitudes, you shouldn't underplay good qualities, either. Make a rough list of qualities you know you possess and which were confirmed by reliable friends, family members, and superiors (teachers or previous work employers). From then, choose two to three best qualities you can elaborate. Cite instances wherein you were able to showcase a particular quality. Also tell the admissions officers something about how these qualities can be of help once they accept you in the university or college. It should not be mere repetitions of what was written in your resume or application form. As with the first step, supporting details are indispensable. This is the only way your essay would not read as superficial or too egoistic.

To prevent your college application essay from becoming extremely dry and boring, relate a good story with an impact. The story should not be overly dramatic or depressing. You can cite a story from your favorite book or movie which motivated or inspired you, in one way or another, to become the person you are now. Only state details enough to illustrate your point. If you are telling a story based from your own experience, make it short and sweet. You don't want your audience to be exasperated and yawn in dismay. The key is to tell a story good enough for admissions officers to notice and read without cringing. Make sure your language and sentence structures are also interesting. You can probably drop a noteworthy story but still turn out to be a flop if your choice of words and style of narration are inappropriate. A college admission essay deserves meticulous planning and editing. You are not expected to come up with a perfect copy in your first try but it would certainly help if you follow the three simple steps mentioned in this article.