FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLICATION ESSAYS
By EssayEdge.com's Harvard-Educated Admissions Essay Editors

1. Is it a good idea to begin my essay with a quotation?
Quotes often add a valuable creative flair to an essay. They can also give your reader a sense of your overall theme before he or she even begins reading your words. You should thus consider using a quote if you find one that is appropriate to your subject matter. It is never advisable, however, to insert a poorly related quote simply because you think you should have one.

2. If I do not have a word limit, should I feel free to make my essay as long as I like?
Although it is certainly tempting to write about everything you think the admissions committee should know, keep in mind that they are reading a large number of essays and most likely do not want to sift through an extremely lengthy one. You should try to streamline your content as much as possible. This is effective in two ways: (1) it keeps your reader from growing bored with your essay, and (2) concise statements tend to have more power and effectiveness than long, drawn-out expositions. Even if there is no word limit, always try to trim out the fat from your essays!

3. If the college does not specify the font, font size, and spacing requirements, what should I use?
The general custom is to use Times New Roman in size 12. Try not to select a font size that is too small, because that would make it more difficult for the admissions committee to read your words. If there is no space limit for your essay, you should double-space it to make it easier on your reader's eyes. If you need to single-space your essay because of space limits, you might want to skip a line between the paragraphs. You should also remember to keep one-inch margins in each side of the page.

4. I am trying to write my essay, but I do not know where to begin. What should I think about including?
Of course, some essay questions are very specific and will tell you exactly what you should write. Others, however, are so broad that they leave applicants confused about where to begin. In such cases, it is best to think back on any experiences that would make you seem attractive to the admissions committee. Have you done anything that few other people have done? Have you ever gone far out of your way to help others? Was there ever a time when you made a dramatic and positive change in your life? What makes you unique? Once you think of something about yourself that sets you apart from others and will impress the admissions board, you can use that to build a successful essay.

5. I have a few talents that are not very relevant to either my field of study or the essay question. Should I mention them?
The answer to this question depends on space constraints. After streamlining the important parts of your essay, do you have any space left over? If so, it is a good idea to briefly mention any other talents or experiences that you would like the admissions committee to know. You can incorporate these into a paragraph about your diversity of interests and abilities. Remember, however, that these extra tidbits should be mentioned briefly, most often in no more than a sentence or two. Because they do not form the substance of your essay, do not waste too much time and space on them.

6. May I use contractions in my application essay?
It is generally best to avoid using contractions in an application essay. Unless you are writing a very informal essay, perhaps in the form of a letter or a short story, contractions are not appropriate. It requires very little extra effort to write "I am" instead of "I'm," so simply take the time to write out the full words in each case. This will make your sentences seem more polished and elegant.

7. Is it a good idea to write a "creative" essay? I was thinking about making mine a short story or a letter. Should I do so? What about making it a humorous essay?
Creative essays can indeed be very effective, but only if they are executed well. It is very easy to write an essay that you think is funny or witty, only to find out that no one else agrees. An essay that is entirely humorous is potentially dangerous for two reasons: (1) it is difficult to write well, and (2) it may reach an admissions officer who does not appreciate your humor and thinks you are not taking the application process seriously. Admissions committees certainly do appreciate some levity in an essay, however, so you might consider including a joke or a witty comment at one point.
Essays in the form of letters and short stories should only be written if they suit the essay question. For instance, someone applying for graduate studies in a scientific field most likely should avoid an overly creative essay. Always remember that creative essays are difficult to write. If you very much want to write one, make sure you show it to many people to receive their honest opinion about its effectiveness. Do not simply show it to your family, for they might be inclined to approve of anything you write! Show it to friends and teachers, and strongly consider having one of our editors take a look at it to make sure your essay works well.

8. How much time should I spending praising the college to which I am applying?
Although the colleges already know the excellent aspects of their institution, they want to see that you have done your research and have learned enough about their college to justify your interest in it. You should mention 2 or 3 facts about the college that you admire, and explain why those aspects of the institution suit your own talents or goals. Try to make the admissions committee see that you are a perfect fit for their college.

9. There are some aspects of my transcript that are somewhat negative. Should I mention them?
It is definitely a good idea to mention potentially troublesome areas of your transcript. If the colleges see these problems without having any explanation about them, they could easily assume the worst. You should therefore write a brief account of why you received that poor grade or were forced to retake a class. If you have had any disciplinary action, you should also explain the circumstances behind it. Try to mention that although you acknowledge your mistake and regret it, you have learned from it and are now dedicated to avoiding similar situations in the future. If you feel that this would not fit well in your essay, you should contact the registrar's office and ask if you would be allowed to include a separate statement explaining these problems.

10. Should I end my essay with a separate conclusion paragraph? Should I end by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing my application?
Although it is certainly acceptable to include a separate conclusion paragraph in the essay, it is not necessary. If you are operating under a word limit or space constraints, the college will not expect a fully developed conclusion. You must, however, make a definite end to your essay that sums up your main position. It would be sufficient to write two or three sentences about how dedicated you are to attending the college/graduate program/plan of study to which you are applying, and how eager you are to begin your studies there. An essay is never complete without some form of conclusion, so never leave your reader hanging!
As for thanking the admissions committee, this is a matter of personal preference. We would, however, caution you against sounding too desperate. Do not thank them profusely or seem too grateful for their time. You should present yourself as a strong candidate that any college would love to have, and strong candidates do not gush thanks to admissions committees. If you do chose to thank them, a simple "Thank you for your time and consideration" is fine. Many applicants choose not to include a statement of thanks. This is perfectly acceptable, and will not negatively impact the committee's perception of your application.

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