How To Write A Killer Essay Quiz

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| By Rslattery529
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Rslattery529
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Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 351
| Attempts: 352
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  • 1/10 Questions

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

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

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.

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  • 2. 

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

    • True

    • 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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  • 3. 

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

    • True

    • 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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  • 4. 

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

    • True

    • 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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  • 5. 

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

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. 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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  • 6. 

    You should let your friends proofread your essay.

    • True

    • 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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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. 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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  • 8. 

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

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. 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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  • 9. 

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

    • True

    • False

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

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  • 10. 

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

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. 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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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 21, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Rslattery529
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