How to Tell If My College Essay is Good: Key Tips

How to Tell If My College Essay is Good: Key Tips

Okay, friend. So you’ve written this college essay, and you’re sittin’ there thinking, “Is it good? Is it garbage?” It feels like asking your cat if they like their new food. Spoiler alert: they’ll probably look at you like you’re crazy. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you figure out if your essay is a masterpiece or if it’s better suited for the recycling bin. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Read It Aloud Like a Shakespearean Actor
Seriously, grab your invisible crown and read that thing out loud. If it sounds like a Shakespeare play mixed with a toddler’s first poem, you might need some tweaks. If you trip over words more than a clumsy giraffe, stop right there. It should flow better than butter on hot toast.

Step 2: Ask Your Mom (But Be Prepared)
Moms can be the best and worst critics. Your mom will either say it’s “the best thing since sliced bread” or ask why you didn’t just write about how much you love puppies. If she gets misty-eyed reading it, congrats! If she starts falling asleep, maybe rethink things.

Step 3: Check the Length
Is your essay longer than War and Peace? No one wants to read a novel unless you’re J.K. Rowling or something. Aim for what your college wants and then cut any fluff. Trust me, they don’t need to know about your great aunt’s cat who inspired your passion for underwater basket weaving.

Step 4: Look For Typos
We all make typos; I’ve done it when texting about pizza when I meant to ask about study groups (awkward!). Get spell check ready and if words look weird together or make zero sense… Yeah, fix those ASAP!

Step 5: Are You Actually Answering The Question?
It’s kinda important that your essay answers the prompt… Like going into Starbucks and ordering a banana smoothie when you clearly asked for coffee. Reread the question and see if every sentence is actually making sense in answering that question.

Step 6: Show Some Personality
Are you showcasing who YOU are? Or does this sound like something any random robot could’ve typed up after eating too much coffee? Make sure there’s a sprinkle of YOU in there! Talk about those weird hobbies or cringy moments that make people laugh (or cringe—things can be funny in many ways).

Step 7: Get Feedback From Friends
Pick a couple of friends who won’t just tell you it’s “totally awesome” because they love pizza too (everyone loves pizza)! Find someone who will give constructive feedback even if it hurts your feelings like stepping on Legos barefoot!

FAQ Section

Question: How do I know if my intro is catchy?
Answer: Well if it makes someone wanna lean closer instead of checking Instagram, then you’re on the right track!

Question: Can I use slang in my essay?
Answer: Maybe not “lit” or “fam,” unless you’re applying to hipster colleges where everyone rides skateboards and wears flannels.

Question: What do I do if I’m super stressed about deadlines?
Answer: Step away from the computer, grab an ice cream cone and remember essays aren’t life or death…unless you’re applying to Clown College.

Question: Is bribe giving allowed for better feedback?
Answer: Definitely NOT recommended! Your roommate might only want food but won’t care about how good your essay is!

Question: Can I just copy my friend’s essay instead?
Answer: LOL no! That’s called plagiarism and they frown upon that stuff worse than double dipping chips.

Question: What happens if I’m still stuck after trying all these tips?
Answer: Breathe buddy! Take breaks—and maybe ask for extra help from teachers or writing centers at school!

Question: Why does college care so much about essays anyway?
Answer: Because they wanna see how well ya think—not just how well ya memorize stuff!

So now go crush that college essay like it’s an old soda can screaming “never again!” You got this!