Admissions Essay Assignment.doc

College Admissions Essay Assignment

Writing successful essays (and here I’m referring to a larger category than just analysis) depends largely upon choosing a tone that meets your purpose and desired outcome. As is the case when we analyze literature, tone is a secondary device that is best seen as the outcome of several other literary devices acting in combination with one another. Before we talk about crafting an admissions essay, let’s review some devices that influence the tone of an essay. Notice how some of these are content (what you’re saying) as well as style (how you’re saying it.)

Device	Considerations
Syntax	Generally, the longer your sentences, the more formal sounding your writing, but there is a fine line between the mature voice and the stuffy voice that can be created by lengthy sentences. Employing some of the more complicated sentence structures and rhetorical devices can be used to great effect to create a sense of a carefully crafted paper. Some of these sentences can even add an artistic air to your paper; something that not everyone takes the time to do. Refer to your sentence structure packet. Regardless of whether you are aiming for a casual or a sophisticated tone, you should aim for some variety in your sentence types and avoid boring and redundant patterns. “The-starts” and “I-starts” can be avoided by adding some phrases to the beginnings of you sentences, e.g. “Always a teacher, I used to instruct my teddy bears.”
Diction	A more elevated and academic diction naturally creates a more formal tone. However, it is still possible to have a more casual sounding piece that uses descriptive and detailed words. If you are aiming for informal tone, still try and use apt and specific words. Remember, informal is not synonymous with simplistic. Avoid the dangers of sounding like a thesaurus. If you want to try and use some “high-power” words, do so in moderation, and be aware of the overall effect they have on tone. Consistency is important in your diction choices. If you write one paragraph one day when you are in a super casual mood, it may class with the diction choices of a previous draft of your essay which was in a more formal tone.
(Argumentative) Structure	The structure of your essay bears some very careful consideration, especially since admissions essays are likely to be short. Most essays will NOT follow a thesis/POA format Instead, the logic of your argument will dictate your organization. Often you will preview an idea, expand on this idea, and explain what is important about the idea you’ve just developed. Always remember to address why what you’ve talked about is important or what it reveals about you, etc.
Allusions	Making references to well known works of literature, historical events, myths, etc. can add an educated air to your piece. I would avoid quotations that are really common; the more esoteric your reference, the less it sounds like you just got it off of a google search. Also, my personal recommendation is, if you must use a quotation DO NOT begin your essay with it. Additionally, make your quotation brief and relevant to your topic.
Point of View	Many of these essays will be written in the first person, since they are narrative in nature. If possible, try to create something that reveals who you are. Are you more formal? More casual? Sense of Humor? Sarcastic? (use caution)
Appeals	For persuasive writing, appeals can obviously influence your reading in to agreeing with you, if they are done well.

In my opinion, it’s important to strongly consider what you want your essay to reveal to the admissions person and work backwards from there. Below are some traits that I think most colleges want their students to possess.

What you want to demonstrate…	Some ways to show this…
Education	Proper grammar and usage. Educated (not necessarily stuffy) vocabulary Control of syntax and structure (perhaps even using some mimetic structures or ‘fancy’ syntax) Allusions Knowledge of important events, philosophies, literature, art, etc.
Personalization/Individualization	Elements of uniqueness. Does your essay represent something that is uniquely your? Consider the use of anecdotes (brief) to serve in illustrating your points.
Reflection	Clearly articulating (as part of your structure and argumentation) that you have learned from experiences. Identifying some of your own traits, characteristics, strengths, weakness… Again, showing that you are thoughtful and process your experiences.
Careful crafting	Eliminating redundancies; all elements of a short essay serve same purpose. Carefully controlled syntax.
Breadth of thought/application of knowledge to life	Clearly articulating as part of your structure that you take past experiences and knowledge and apply them to future life. Communicating an understanding of a wide variety of viewpoints, opinions, etc. Identifying college education as a gateway to future career and personal goals. Identifying ways in which you will enrich the college environment.