College Admission Essays for Dummies

By Geraldine Woods

The competition to get into your college of choice has never been fiercer. Unfortunately, much of the application process is out of your hands. But one major aspect of the admission process is under your control--your personal statement. Your application essay provides you with the opportunity to let your true, unique and totally irresistible self shine through. College Admission Essays For Dummies is your total guide to crafting application essays that will make people sit up and take notice. It demystifies the authority figures who'll judge your work, helps you decide what to write, and then arms you with the knowledge and skills you need to write your essay on time and on target. Step by step, it walks you through the entire essay-writing process, offering priceless tips on how to: Choose the best topic, tone, and structure for your essay Capture the crucial stories that reveal who you are Avoid common pitfalls that can sabotage your application Overcome writer's block Know how to respond to unusual and off-the-wall essay questions Write successful short answers to specific application questions College admission guru Geraldine Woods punctures common myths about application essays and tells you what you absolutely must do to write a good one. With the help of many inspiring and instructive killer essays, she shows you how to: Put yourself in the right mental state for writing well Gather ideas, focus on a topic and choose the best structure for your essay Use topic sentences, detail, and strong introductions and conclusions Write a rough draft Show rather than tell your story Make sure your spelling and grammar are pitch perfect Create smooth transitions and avoid repetitions Your college application essay is your chance to show the committee that you're more than just a statistic. Let College Admission Essays For Dummies show you how to write "admit-clinching" college essays.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764554824
• ISBN13: 9780764554827
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fine book, well written, comprehensive

I've read several of these books (I teach writing), and this one is second to none. I used to assume the "Dummies" series was written BY as well as FOR dummies, but this one comes from an author who's sharp as can be. Some of the jokes use up more space than they're worth, but they're probably mandatory for the series, and in any event the book is fast-paced, highly practical, and just plain accurate. Overall it's excellent. (I seldom write reviews -- only when I consider a book either excellent or worthless; and this one is definitely in the former category.)

Good for the undergrad, but not for the MBA applicant.

This is an amazing book - if you're seeking undergraduate admittance. I tried to use this book while applying to MBA programs, but to be honest, it just didn't cut it. It's a great book if you're seeking to write better essays in school, high school included, but it just doesn't cover the basics of a business school essay. Very entertaining author.

Most useful book on this subject

I've read three books on this subject and skimmed another half-dozen. This would be my top choice as it has a lot of solid information and it's organized to allow students to find answers to specific questions. Benefits from absorbing this material will spill over into other writing situations, too. However, the main reasons for my recommendation are style and relevance. It's a book that will actually engage a student. Ms. Woods is funny and succinct, and her examples and tips are on point and clear. Subheads, boxes, bullets and icons are used effectively to organize and spotlight content.The most common book recommendation on this topic is Harry Bauld's On Writing the College Application Essay. That book has got good stuff in it too, but will be more appealing to a parent than to a high schooler. If your student is truly interested and engaged in this subject get both books. If getting him or her to look at one book on the subject will be a major achievement make it the Woods book.