How To Write A Killer Essay Quiz

1. During the busiest time of the year, admissions counselors can read more than 50 essays a day.

True

False

January through March is typically the busiest time of the year for admissions counselors. "I once read 60 essays in one day," DePriest says.

Explanation

January through March is typically the busiest time of the year for admissions counselors. "I once read 60 essays in one day," DePriest says.

2. Over-writing is one of the most common mistakes an applicant can make on his essay.

True

False

"Be clear and direct," DePriest says. "Don't use unnecessary words." She warns against "getting buried in the writing"-- make sure the substance is greater than the length.

Explanation

"Be clear and direct," DePriest says. "Don't use unnecessary words." She warns against "getting buried in the writing"-- make sure the substance is greater than the length.

3. The essay is one of the most important parts of your college application.

True

False

Most of your other materials-- test scores, grades and recommendations-- speak for you. "The essay gives the student a chance to speak for him or herself, in his or her own words," says DePriest.

Explanation

Most of your other materials-- test scores, grades and recommendations-- speak for you. "The essay gives the student a chance to speak for him or herself, in his or her own words," says DePriest.

4. Humor is extremely tough to pull off in a college essay.

True

False

But what if you're funny? Does humor work? "Sometimes," says DePriest, "but it's rare that it's done exceptionally well." Your best bet is to come across as yourself. If you're funny, it will show in the essay. If not, the humor will feel forced and contrived.

Explanation

But what if you're funny? Does humor work? "Sometimes," says DePriest, "but it's rare that it's done exceptionally well." Your best bet is to come across as yourself. If you're funny, it will show in the essay. If not, the humor will feel forced and contrived.

5. You should let your friends proofread your essay.

True

False

DePriest suggests you show your essay to teachers, counselors and your friends. "Ask them, 'Does this sound like me?'" she says. Don't let everyone see it, though. "If there's too much feedback, the essay can lose its authenticity."

Explanation

DePriest suggests you show your essay to teachers, counselors and your friends. "Ask them, 'Does this sound like me?'" she says. Don't let everyone see it, though. "If there's too much feedback, the essay can lose its authenticity."

6. You should tailor your essay to what you think the admissions counselors want to hear.

True

False

"Don't predict what a counselor wants to hear," says DePriest. She suggests writing about something personally interesting to you. If you're genuinely interested in your own story, it will come through in the essay.

Explanation

"Don't predict what a counselor wants to hear," says DePriest. She suggests writing about something personally interesting to you. If you're genuinely interested in your own story, it will come through in the essay.

7. If you can't come up with an inspiring story that happened in your own life, you should borrow something that happened to a friend, or something you read about-- as long as you make it detailed and interesting.

True

False

If you're using the story, chances are dozens (if not hundreds) of other students are too-- and that means counselors are seeing it over and over again. "Be honest," says DePriest, "and tell a personal story."

Explanation

If you're using the story, chances are dozens (if not hundreds) of other students are too-- and that means counselors are seeing it over and over again. "Be honest," says DePriest, "and tell a personal story."

8. Admissions counselors count the words in an essay to make sure the student is following the application guidelines.

True

False

"We don't count the words," says DePriest. Instead, they look at the whole essay to see if it's well developed. The word count is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule at most colleges.

Explanation

"We don't count the words," says DePriest. Instead, they look at the whole essay to see if it's well developed. The word count is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule at most colleges.

9. An applicant's essay is usually read by one counselor.

True

False

At most universities, at least two counselors look at all the materials in a student's application.

Explanation

At most universities, at least two counselors look at all the materials in a student's application.

10. You should avoid familiar subjects like winning the big game or losing an important election.

True

False

You might not think so, but even a familiar story like winning the big game can be compelling for an admissions counselor. "It's all about the treatment-- how you do it," says DePriest. "Be as specific as possible. Focus on the moments within the big events, not the event itself."

Explanation

You might not think so, but even a familiar story like winning the big game can be compelling for an admissions counselor. "It's all about the treatment-- how you do it," says DePriest. "Be as specific as possible. Focus on the moments within the big events, not the event itself."