Punch Through Those Stupid Prompts

They're all so generic and you end up feeling like you're writing the same life story over and over again to different colleges.

Here are a few ways to punch your way through those boring but necessary college application essay and scholarship prompts:

#1. Humor Them

Don't be crude or vulgar but if you have a good sense of humor, make your essay a comedic one. Those folks behind the admissions desk are just as done as you are with the essays. They're tired of hearing the same old sob story and pleas of desperation. Writing an essay from a comedic standpoint conveys confidence and creativity.

Here's the caveat - make sure you read your final draft to someone before sending it off. If it makes them chuckle, great! If it makes them squint their eyes or frown, take it back to the drawing board. Comedy is like a feather - it can tickle anyone but not everyone likes being tickled. So be cautious with it.

#2. Be weird (Show off your passions)

As someone who reads hundreds of essays, personal statements, and other written documents a week for a living, I can attest to the fact that the memorable ones are those that are a bit ... odd. But in a good way! If you can answer whatever prompt is thrown your way and obsess over your interests in an essay, do that!

I recently read an essay that answered this question: "Why is this program the right fit for you?" The author of the essay used their passion about Pokemon to demonstrate how choosing the right program was like choosing the right starter Pokemon. Not only did I enjoy reading it (because I like Pokemon) but it was also mind-blowing to see give a solid answer to an essay prompt by using references to a childhood TV show.

#3. Don't be a Drag

Have mercy on the people that have to read your essay and don't be a drag! Don't let your essay drag on beyond the word limit and don't go off on unnecessary tangents. Keep it short, creative, and concise. The best way to manage this is to do an outline before writing. An outline will help you stay on track even if the outline is just a bullet point for each paragraph that you want to write. Make the bullet point describe what you want to say and why you want to say it. Then write it!

#4. Catch 'em off guard

If the prompt allows, don't write an essay at all. Write a poem or a short story in which you, the main character, demonstrate the answer to the prompt. Just make sure you adhere to word minimums and have someone proofread it before sending it off.

#5. Get Help

If you really can't stomach the prompt, reach out to us via a FREE consultation and we'll help you brainstorm some ideas!