What are good tips for writing an AMAZING college essay?

Question

What do they want to read?

What makes a good essay into an exceptional one?

Answer 1

Think about this: what would YOU want to read?  Make your essay interesting by embellishing it with a personal story that relates to college or a learning experience.  Use a quote in the introduction to draw the reader in to what you are saying, then make a connection at the end of your essay.  

Remember, writing is a process.  The result is greater when you write and rewrite several times before you send it off.  Get as many people, preferably teachers, to read it and give you pointers so that you can improve upon your essay.  Good luck!  

Answer 2

- start early, do rewrites and check your grammar and spelling--seriously this is really important.

- spend time understand the school(s) to which you are applying--what about that particular school do you like?  Don't just rattle off their programs--put some thought into why you want to go there, using your past experiences as eevidence

- what can you contribute to the freshman class?  How has what you've done--your accomplishments--prepared you for the rigor of a top college?  

- you need to organize what you've already done and pull everything together--don't just list a bunch of extra-curriculars, for instance.  Highlight places where you've acquired leadership abilities, and where you have dealt with adversity.  You don't always have had to overcome it completely--they are more interested in how you responded.