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Writing an impactful college essay is a challenge that many students face, especially when so much hinges on its success. Whether you’re preparing a college application or tackling a class assignment, knowing what works—and what doesn’t—can make all the difference.
This guide highlights 18 key Dos and Don’ts of the essay writing process, providing clear, actionable advice to help you create a compelling piece that stands out for the right reasons.
Table of Contents:
The Dos of Essay Writing
1.DO practice time management.
Two weeks is ideal, but twelve days would work too. Even if you’re only a day or two away from your deadline, starting now is always better than starting later.
2.DO respond to the prompt.
It’s amazing how many applicants write essays that, while generally solid, aren’t actually relevant to the academic or application-specific task. If the prompt asks a specific question (or several), make sure your essay provides an answer.
3.DO plan before you write.
Outline your essay structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. A clear outline can help you develop a strong thesis statement and organize your thoughts effectively.
4. DO stay authentic.
Be yourself in your writing. Authenticity shines through and resonates more with readers than forced or exaggerated expressions. It can strongly improve your standing in the eyes of the admissions committee.
5. DO be specific.
Use vivid examples and precise language to support your points. Specificity adds depth and authenticity, making your essay more relatable and memorable. For example, describe how your role as a volunteer taught you invaluable life lessons.
6. DO pay attention to a Strong Introduction.
Capture the reader‘s attention from the very first sentence. A powerful hook—whether it’s a striking fact, a question, or a personal anecdote—can set the tone for an engaging essay.
7. DO be descriptive.
One of the essay writing tips to help with this is to use active verbs and dynamic nouns. “The red car stopped directly in front of my friend,” is nothing compared to, “The Ferrari squealed to a halt inches from Steve’s face,” and both use the exact same number of words.
8. DO take breaks.
Writing comes in fits and starts. If you feel like you’re making good progress, then by all means continue. If you’re stuck with a nasty case of writer’s block, though, the best cure is often a nap, some exercise, a movie, or anything else that takes your mind off the essay for a while.
9. DO have someone else review your work.
Whether a close friend, parent, teacher, counselor, or professional, having someone else read through your draft will give you valuable feedback. Sometimes it takes a new perspective to spot problem areas that you would otherwise miss.
The Don’ts of Essay Writing
1. DON’T plagiarize.
Using someone else’s work will kill your chance of admission.
2. DON’T exceed the length limit.
Admissions officers have heard every excuse in the book for why a particular applicant desperately needs 700 words when the maximum specified was 500. The simple fact is that there is never a good reason to go over, and doing so will reflect poorly on you.
3. DON’T write a resume in essay form.
If your essay or statement reads like a narrative listing of your various courses, clubs, jobs, and accomplishments over the past several years, it isn’t serving its intended purpose.
4. DON’T neglect transitions in your draft.
Poor transitions between paragraphs can disrupt the essay’s flow. Ensure your ideas connect logically to guide your reader seamlessly from one topic to the next.
5. DON’T overcomplicate your language.
Using overly complex words or jargon can confuse your reader. Aim for clarity and simplicity over trying to impress with vocabulary.
6. DON’T use cliches or overuse idioms.
If you do not know how to make your writing better, expert writers recommend deleting unnecessary idioms and phrasal verbs. This one should be a piece of cake, like taking candy from a baby.
7. DON’T rely on spell check with mistakes.
Automatic functions in programs like Microsoft Word are helpful tools, but they’re not infallible. Mistakes can make it through unchecked. See?
8. DON’T completely stress out.
Yes, this is important, and yes, it takes a lot of work, but it’s not the end of the world. Make sure you still find time for relaxation and the things that are important in your life.
9. DON’T submit without proofreading.
Submitting an essay with errors undermines all your hard work. Always proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before submission.
Writing Essays Efficiently: Conclusion
Writing an essay doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know what to focus on—and what to avoid. By following these Dos and Don’ts, you can confidently create good essays that leave a lasting impression.
These do’s, and don’ts of essay writing are basic rules of writing one must memorize. Apply them regardless of the type of paper you’re working on. If the task feels daunting, you might opt to seek professional help for added guidance.
The last ‘Do’ is a must. If you can’t find the right person to proofread your dissertation or essay, press ‘Order Now’. You’ll find it here.
Remember, great writing is a process that involves planning, drafting, revising, and seeking feedback. Embrace these steps, stay true to your voice, and always approach each essay as an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective.
Good luck, and may your next essay be your best one yet!
