The essay presents the "real" you to the college admissions office. Transcripts reduce the applicant to a letter, SATs provide a number; the essay gives the student a voice. Your college counselor takes a general essay filled with platitudes and turns it into specific, personable prose.

Before Action Writing

My most meaningful activity is soccer. I really enjoy playing the sport because it has taught me teamwork, discipline and how to keep fit...

After Action Writing

I have been dribbling a soccer ball ever since I was old enough to run down a field. I became serious about the sport, however, when I joined The Falcons, my first official team. I began to see that passing the ball to an open teammate made more sense than trying to take the ball past three defenders myself...

Before Action Writing

The most significant experience in my life was when I worked at a senior citizen home. My job was to help the residents with everyday tasks and entertain them. I would come in early...

After Action Writing

Minnie Gold looked up at me with her watery blue eyes. I knew what she wanted... to beat my pants off in a game of checkers. My volunteer work at Seabury Senior Home taught me to lose graciously and how easy it is to put a smile on someone's face.