Want a college essay that stands out? Take the Leap.
Transcripts are dull. Your essay shouldn't be.
The College Essay:
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You've worked nonstop for years to excel at school and extracurricular activities while juggling a social life, part-time job, volunteer work and family obligations. Now, during one of the most stressful times in your life, you're expected to write a college essay that will prove to an anonymous admissions committee that you are not simply a collection of grades, test scores and AP courses but a multi-dimensional shining star who belongs at their esteemed institution.
Whew! That's a lot to expect from 650 words. For those of you who would rather repeat seventh grade than write about anything the least bit personal, it's a daunting task. Even the most passionate scribe can find the process overwhelming, particularly when the stakes are so high. As colleges and universities move beyond test scores to determine admissions, college essays are increasingly the most effective way to make your application stand out from the pack. At Take the Leap, our mission is to turn the chore of college essay writing into an incredible opportunity to showcase your personality, point of view, goals and skills. Transcripts are dull. Your essay shouldn't be. |
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For most students, the essay required for the Common App is only the beginning. Many colleges and universities require (or strongly suggest) that you submit supplemental essays and personal statements with your application. Essays are often mandatory when applying for scholarships and grants. To complicate matters, each essay calls for a different word count, subject prompt and deadline. With a severe shortage of free time, intense pressure to craft the perfect essay and a constant flow of "constructive" criticism from parents and other well-meaning folks, it's no surprise that you'd rather hide under a blanket binging on pizza and Netflix.
You're not the only one. Most students applying to college feel anxious and insecure (and even occasionally excited). The good news? Take the Leap will guide you from start to finish to make the college essay writing process manageable, productive and as painless as possible. We will help you pinpoint an essay topic(s) that is right for you, shape and structure your drafts, and make sure your writing is clear and concise with an upbeat, engaging and conversational tone that is free of tired cliches, repetitive phrases and embarrassing typos. |
The Secret to a Great College Essay: Be Yourself
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Your college essay should be about you not a semi-fictional character you think you need to portray to get into your dream school. Are you funny, curious, strong, insightful, sensitive, flawed? Some of the above? All of the above? Guess what? The actual human beings reading your essay are interested in finding out. After reviewing thousands of admissions essays, the last thing they want is to slog through another head-bobbing, snooze-inducing, robotic litany of achievements. Our goal? An essay that will allow the admissions committee to visualize you as a living, breathing and must-have member of their institution.
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InspireThe hardest part of writing an admissions essay or personal statement can be picking a topic. Whether you have too many ideas or none at all, Take the Leap can help you find a subject that genuinely reflects your interests, beliefs, achievements and life experiences. The result? An essay with personality and passion that will make your application standout.
Tip: Powerful stories can emerge from small events. |
MotivateA master procrastinator or self-proclaimed wiz under pressure, you've always managed to get things done the night before. Why mess with a winning strategy? At Take the Leap, we want you to submit the best essay you can write, not the best essay you can pull together minutes before a midnight deadline. At Take the Leap, we'll get you moving from start to finish with a stellar final draft that will make you reconsider the wisdom of the all-nighter.
Tip: Finishing is good. Loving what you've done is awesome. |
PolishYou're confident you can write a good essay but you need a great one. Asking for advice is smart but having a parent help can be hazardous to your health (and theirs!) Even the most well-intentioned, level-headed parents can get carried away and edit your essay until it sounds suspiciously more like their lives than yours. Take the Leap will teach you how to enhance your writing with personal details, vivid scenes and a natural voice that will not only make your essay shine but make it your own.
Tip: Don't list your accomplishments. Find the meaning behind them. |
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