Handling College Applications

As the deadlines for college applications approach, many Carver Panthers are working diligently on perfecting their essays and short responses. Here are a few ways to make the application writing samples more cohesive and well written:

Make an outline! This writing tip has been stressed in many English classes for good reason- you can't write an essay without knowing what you're writing about. Take the time to brainstorm, and then develop some of your ideas to see which you are more inspired by. The outline can also help you make sure you answered the question and stay on track.

Ask some people for feedback. Having a fresh pair of eyes read your essay can help you get ideas on what you need to work on. Peers, parents, teachers, and counselors are good people to ask.

Edit, edit, edit! Each time you read your essay you'll find something that could be better. If at the end you end up with something completely different than your original idea, that's okay! It's all about writing the essay that shows the best you could be.

Don't procrastinate. Often, the part of a college application that takes the longest is the essay and short answers. Make sure you start writing with plenty of time to revise and review your work before you submit it.

Most importantly, be creative. Colleges want to know more about who you are. Essays and short answers are a chance to show colleges more than just an application form; they get to know who you are as a student and a person.

The college application is intimidating, but each and every student at Carver Magnet High School should know they have the support of everyone on this campus. After all, here at Carver we strive for excellence always.