Jennie Said:

how many college admission essays should I write?

We Answered:

Many colleges and universities ask you to write an admission essay that addresses a specific topic. Some do, and some don't. You won't know until you start filling out your online admissions form, or until you get that admissions packet in the mail.

Another reason you won't want to fire up a generic essay is because the schools differ on length and formatting. You don't want to have a 500 word double-spaced paper in your hand when you're looking at an application that asks you for a 300-word single spaced.

If you're curious about the essay topics of schools you're interested in, take a look at the online application materials from the admission department website.

Honestly? I don't think there's much to be gained by writing your essays early. On the other hand, you should request application materials as soon as they become available - once you have the actual topic and instructions in hand, the sooner you start on them, and the more tweaking you can do, the better.

Good luck!

Jackie Said:

How much wiggle room is there for controversy in college admission essays?

We Answered:

Your college essay should be personal, not a term paper. You need to write about you. Tell them something about yourself that they do not find in your transcripts. This is your chance to let them know more about you.
If necessary go to a public library and get some examples of college essays.
some my kids and their friends wrote about:
dealing with asthma
travels outside of the US
having a brother with autism
playing on a state winning tennis team and keeping up with academics
being on a traveling ice skating team
being a peer tutor
coming from a bi lingual family

Marvin Said:

What's the best word range for college admission essays?

We Answered:

The application requirements usually tell you how much to write. UCs are 1000 words while schools like uop required no more than 500

Arnold Said:

If you had to read all those college admission essays, what would you want to read about?

We Answered:

I worked as a admissions officer and it WAS my job to read countless essays. Some were basic and common. Some were funny, some were sad and some were confusing . I can recall one essay where the writer not only spelled the University's name wrong but his own high school. I never read the perfect essay. Each student writes about what they think will get them in or what their parents write for them. There is a lack of imagination that can be seen throughout most of the essay's. I think the perfect topic would be:
After 4 years of high school you have decided to pursue a College degree. Do you think your high school has prepared you both academically and socially for the change that is nearing for you? How so? Please elaborate on any details in the affirmative and negative.

Claude Said:

Where can I find -how to write best college admission essays ?

We Answered:

How? Write what you are passionate about and why going to the school you write to would fulfill that passion.