Getting admitted to an online college can be quite competitive. More so, if you are applying to get into a reputable college in your field. Just because the course delivery is online, it does not mean all applicants will secure a spot. Online colleges can limit their space too.
Their main goal is to maintain their reputation and ensure you are the right fit for the program. Many students may fulfill requirements but are unable to cope with the courses and schedule.
Online colleges, like their on-campus counterpart, must rely on various methods of qualifying prospective students. Now, although your grades and test scores may fit the bill, understand that many other students also fulfill these criteria.
Why are essays critical?
Many applicants get intimidated when they have to write an essay to get admitted into an online college. The majority think they are not talented writers.
However, you do not have to be a published author or a professional journalist to write an essay for college admission. All the college admission wants to see is how well you have expressed your personality and past accomplishments in writing.
How to write an essay that distinguishes you from others?
Your essay’s primary goal is to show college administrators that you are a good fit for the college.
An easy way out may be to get someone else to write it. While this is quick and easy, it can cost a lot of money too. Plus, you will later need to edit the essay to make it sound like you. It is challenging for others to write about your personal life experiences and lessons.
Although the longer way is to write it yourself, you can make it easy by preparing for it early. Please do not give away clues that you have rushed it. So, here are some preparation steps:
- Review the admissions essay question,
- Think about the reasons why and what they want to hear from you,
- See how you can share your values with the admissions council, and
- Show how some life lessons have made you a better person.
Once you have gone through the above, you can start outlining your essay and commence writing your first draft. Do not be afraid of making mistakes, as you will make some! That is why you will edit it later.
Are there software applications to help you?
A useful application available online is Grammarly. Many amateurs and even professional writers use this app for everyday writing. It is convenient and helpful to check grammar, spelling, punctuations, active and passive voice, sentence structure, and a host of other things.
Another valuable benefit of Grammarly is its plagiarism checker tool. Particularly useful when writing essays for college and publications, as you want to avoid plagiarism at all costs!
You can use Grammarly not only when writing essays but even in emails, messages, chats, both in formal and informal settings. Mind you, the ease of reading your work does say a lot about your personality.
Any other factors to consider?
It is easy to get overjoyed and descriptive once you get the momentum of writing. Keep a tab on word count, as admissions officers may have hundreds of essays to read. And, like you, they all want a place in the online college too!
Do take a close look at the maximum word count and deliver your concise message within it. Usually, it is 500 words but check this out. Sift through your writing, and be sure to get rid of fillers and redundant words.
Lastly, before submitting, go through the instructions to double-check the required font, size, spacing, and layout are all correct.