For convenience in a personal essay,
it is acceptable to cite sources
—especially if you use just one or two—in numbered footnote form at the bottom of the page. However, if you have more than a few sources, a separate section entitled “References” at the end of the essay is best.
Is it bad to use a quote in a college essay?
The purpose of the college essay is to help the committee get to know you, not to convince someone that you know how to research a topic such as Napoleon's War Tactics. Since
quotations are not your own words, never use them in a critical point or in place of your own analysis
.
What should be included in a college application essay?
- Write about something that's important to you. …
- Don't just recount—reflect! …
- Being funny is tough. …
- Start early and write several drafts. …
- No repeats. …
- Answer the question being asked. …
- Have at least one other person edit your essay. …
- Test Your College Knowledge.
How do you know if your college essay is good?
- Put the essay away for a day or two. Then read it again. …
- Read your essay out loud. You shouldn't stumble over words or phrases when you read your essay out loud. …
- Ask yourself if your essay says everything you want it to say about you. …
- Pretend you're a college reader.
Which topics should be avoided in college application essays?
- Summary of your academic and personal achievements. …
- A sports-related obstacle or success. …
- An immigration story. …
- Tragedies you've experienced. …
- Overcoming a challenging course. …
- Someone you look up to. …
- A volunteer experience. …
- Moving to a new home.
Can you lie on college applications?
So yes,
your college degree can be rescinded for lying on your college application
. An alumnus charged with an honor code violation would, like a student, face a disciplinary hearing. If the committee believes that the falsification on the college application is grievous enough, the college may rescind the degree.
Is it a good idea to start a college essay with a quote?
The Quote: While quoting famous people who have said something cool in the past may seem like an appealing way to start your essay, remember that
colleges want to hear YOUR thoughts
. Don't use the words of another person to stand in for your own opinions or insights.
Is it bad to use a lot of quotes in an essay?
If you include too much quotation in your essay,
you will crowd out your own ideas
. Consider quoting a passage from one of your sources if any of the following conditions holds: The language of the passage is particularly elegant or powerful or memorable.
How do you start a college essay with a quote?
- Choose a Quote That Fits Your Purpose. Any quotation must clearly relate to your topic, including a quote used as an introductory hook. …
- Consider Your Audience. Choose a quote your readers can understand and relate to. …
- Connect to Your Point. …
- Acknowledge the Source.
Do colleges really read essays?
Usually one to two admissions officers read an essay.
Some colleges do not look at essays
. Some colleges will choose only to look at your GPA, Course Rigor and SAT/ACT scores. If you GPA and Test Scores are high enough, they may not feel that and essay is necessary.
What makes a great college essay?
A great college essay always includes
a clear thesis statement
. Thesis statements can and should act as the road map for your essay. It should present the purpose of your writing, it should be clear and understandable, and it should make your reader interested in what you have written.
What are two topics you should not include in your college essay?
- Listing accomplishments. …
- Sports. …
- Sharing how lucky you are. …
- Writing an “un-essay.” Many students, particularly some of the brightest ones, have a negative reaction to the strictures of the admission essay. …
- Inflammatory topics. …
- Illegal activity. …
- Do-good experiences.
Are metaphors good for college essays?
A
metaphor can be a strong device to use
in your college essays, but you'll need to keep a few important considerations in mind. You'll need to choose something unique to stand out, and describe it well. … And you certainly don't want to write an essay with overused clichés.
Do colleges check your activities?
Don't overstate
your achievements on your college application! … College admissions officers want to know the real you, and can often spot an overhyped version. Plus, if your application is flagged for an extra fact-check your admission will certainly be revoked on the spot.
Can colleges tell if you're lying?
Colleges know how to spot inconsistencies in your application. They notice
when things you say don't match with what your teachers or counselors say in the letters of recommendation
. And colleges won't hesitate to call your counselor to verify information that doesn't seem right. They don't do it to catch you in a lie.
Do colleges care if you play a sport?
1 answer.
Not necessarily
. Colleges care about the quality of your essays, your grades, and your ecs. When I applied to colleges, I didn't play any sports and still got accepted to many great colleges, like Grinnell College.
