The College Essay Trap (2019 Edition) Quotes

“mind. He’s got one foot in bed already.   ____   When it comes to the college essay, feel free to break some rules. Many still apply, of course: you need to watch your grammar and spell everything correctly. Sentence structure still matters. But the formula that got you A’s in English can be a straitjacket when you’re writing your college essay.”
― Cassie Nichols, The College Essay Trap (2019 Edition): Rescue your college application essay from the "maybe" pile.

“How do you avoid the English Trap? First, and perhaps most obviously, write in the first person. Get used to the idea of talking and writing about yourself. One technique I recommend: write your first draft as if you’re talking to your best friend. This will help you lay the groundwork.    Second, don’t pontificate. Admissions officers don’t care how much you know about Robinson Crusoe or Elizabeth Bennett. They care how much you know about yourself.   Finally, avoid formulas at all costs. Don’t let your personality fade into an English teacher’s notion of essay structure. Let it shine.”
― Cassie Nichols, The College Essay Trap (2019 Edition): Rescue your college application essay from the "maybe" pile.

“When it comes to the college essay, feel free to break some rules. Many still apply, of course: you need to watch your grammar and spell everything correctly. Sentence structure still matters. But the formula that got you A’s in English can be a straitjacket when you’re writing your college essay.”
― Cassie Nichols, The College Essay Trap (2019 Edition): Rescue your college application essay from the "maybe" pile.