How To Write A Killer Essay Quiz

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| By Rslattery529

Rslattery529

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Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 342

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 343 | Updated: Mar 22, 2023

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Think you have what it takes to write a killer essay? Answer the questions below and find out. When you are done, print out the certificate and/or the report summary. Pass in for a grade.

Questions and Answers

1.

The essay is one of the most important parts of your college application.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

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.

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2.

An applicant's essay is usually read by one counselor.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

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

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3.

During the busiest time of the year, admissions counselors can read more than 50 essays a day.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

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.

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4.

Admissions counselors count the words in an essay to make sure the student is following the application guidelines.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

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.

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5.

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.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

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."

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6.

You should tailor your essay to what you think the admissions counselors want to hear.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

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.

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7.

Over-writing is one of the most common mistakes an applicant can make on his essay.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

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.

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8.

You should avoid familiar subjects like winning the big game or losing an important election.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

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."

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1
0
9.

Humor is extremely tough to pull off in a college essay.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

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.

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10.

You should let your friends proofread your essay.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

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."

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Current Version
Mar 22, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Oct 21, 2010

Quiz Created by
Rslattery529

How To Write A Killer Essay Quiz

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

You should let your friends proofread your essay.