Writing Tip #4: Use the Active Voice
Active Voice for an Active Reader Do you know what puts readers to sleep faster than a boring story? Not the active voice. A passive one. I find it fascinating, though, how with the right language, someone can turn what would seem like a monotonous event into a...
Let Go of the Outcome
As a high school student, you've probably put a lot of time, stress, and energy into figuring out where you'll go to school. You may have even already heard back from a few schools, but most likely, you're waiting for April 1st to come with nervous anticipation, and...
Personal Statement #4: NYU Statement of Purpose
The following is a strong personal statement example that I have worked on. Identifying information has been changed. My thoughts are written in bold after some paragraphs. Note that today's edition is actually a statement of purpose for an MBA/JD program; however,...
How to Write a Personal Statement Tip #4: Do a Second Draft
If you're not planning on doing a second draft on your essay, think again. Even the greatest writers of all time will have typos, awkward sentences, and poor word choice in their first drafts. As good of a writer as you may be--even if you're the best writer in your...
Writing Tip #3: Don’t Repeat Yourself
Rarely, if ever, is this a literal error. If it is, it's one that even the most novice of writers can correct. You just don't see "I play basketball for fun. I play basketball for fun." So what do I mean when I say "don't repeat yourself?" The problem is when you...
Did You Get Deferred from Early Decision?
Most of my posts are about how to write a great college essay, but today, I want to present a few words on what to do if you got deferred from early decision. First, one thing I can be realistic about is that a deferral is not a polite, delayed rejection. Most schools...
Personal Statement Example #3: Success With Sneakers
The following is a strong personal statement example that I have worked on. Identifying information has been changed. My thoughts are written in bold after some paragraphs. The success of a sneaker bot buying shoes made by Michael Jordan made me a better person. (I...
How to Write a Personal Statement Tip #3: Take Time Off After Your First Draft
Stephen King likes to say that he takes a month off in between his drafts. I try and get at least a week off in between when I finish a draft and when I read a single word of it again. Some authors will go even longer. Some authors will go shorter, but all of them...
Writing Tip #2: Work in Silence to Avoid Distractions
Distractions, Distractions, Distractions In my house, trying to avoid distractions feels like a Herculean task. I have a TV and video games. I have two very needy, large dogs who love to wake me up before my alarm goes off. My roommates like to make noise as they cook...
Personal Statement Example #2: Helping the Homeless
The following is a personal statement example that I have worked on. Identifying information has been changed. My thoughts are written in bold after some paragraphs. “You homeless bum, get yourself a job and make yourself useful for once!” (When it comes to quotes, it...