College Admission Writing: Documents and Content

College Admission Writing

• Typically involves submitting a résumé, a letter, and an essay to showcase a student's thinking and writing abilities.
• A well-written application can improve a student's chances of admission, even with less-than-ideal grades or scores.

Audience of College Admission Writing

• The audience consists of university admissions officers or department heads who review applications.
• They look for applicants who can succeed in their chosen program, contribute positively to the educational experience, and bring honor to the institution.

Characteristics of College Admission Writing

• Contractions and slang are avoided.
• The tone is personal, yet still rational, and can be dramatic to make an emotional impact.
• The writing should demonstrate a student's ability to succeed, contribute positively, and bring honor to the institution.

Helpful Tips for Writing a College Admission Essay

• Read the instructions and question carefully.
• Do not exceed the word count.
• Choose a position carefully when making a stand.
• Use vivid language to make readers "see" the point.
• Avoid being overdramatic.
• Revise and proofread.

Sample College Admission Documents

• Sample résumé: a concise, one-to-two-page document highlighting a student's achievements, employment, and interests.
• Sample college admission letter: a written expression of a student's main reasons for choosing a particular school.
• Sample college admission essay: a personal, rational, and emotive writing that showcases a student's values, goals, and achievements.

Writing a College Résumé

• Keep it one to two pages in length, with a one-inch margin on all sides.
• Use bullet points, headings, and boldface to make it easy to scan.
• Include a brief description of work experience, using the past tense for previous roles and the present tense for current roles.
• Arrange items in a logical sequence, such as listing awards in reverse chronological order.
• Proofread and refine the résumé with the help of another person.

Purposes of a College Admission Letter

• To express the main reason for choosing a particular school.
• To provide additional information about the student that is not included in the résumé or essay.
• To demonstrate a student's writing skills and ability to express themselves clearly and effectively.