First Drafts of College Essays
The college essay is one of the most significant elements of your college application. It’s an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. But getting started on your first draft can feel daunting. Where do you begin? How do you find the right theme or hook to make your essay stand out? In this post, we’ll explore how to approach the first draft of your college essay by focusing on identifying a compelling theme and crafting an engaging hook that draws in the reader.
The Importance of a Strong First Draft
1. Setting the Foundation for Your Final Essay - Your first draft is the foundation of your final essay. While it doesn’t have to be perfect, it should lay out the core ideas and structure that will eventually guide the essay’s development. Think of it as the blueprint for your final product. A well-thought-out first draft gives you direction and makes the revision process smoother.
2. Discovering Your Voice - The first draft is where you begin to find your authentic voice. Don’t worry too much about polish or perfection—focus on expressing your ideas and letting your unique perspective shine through. Your voice is what will make your essay memorable to admissions officers.
3. Generating Ideas and Refining Themes - Writing a first draft allows you to explore different ideas and themes. You may start with one concept and discover a more compelling direction as you write. The drafting process is flexible and iterative, so give yourself the freedom to explore multiple angles before settling on the final theme.
How to Identify the Right Theme for Your College Essay
1. Reflect on What Makes You Unique
The theme of your college essay should highlight something that sets you apart from other applicants. Start by reflecting on your experiences, values, and passions. What aspects of your life have shaped who you are today? Consider moments of growth, challenges you’ve overcome, or unique interests that define you.
Example: If you’ve spent years volunteering at an animal shelter, your theme could focus on how that experience deepened your sense of empathy and commitment to service.
2. Align the Theme with Your College Goals
Your essay theme should align with the qualities and values that your target colleges prioritize. Research the mission and values of the colleges on your list. If a school emphasizes leadership, consider a theme that showcases your leadership experience. If a college values creativity, focus on an essay that highlights your innovative thinking.
Example: If you’re applying to a school known for its entrepreneurship program, you might choose a theme centered on a project or initiative you started.
3. Choose a Theme that Allows for Depth
The best college essays don’t just list accomplishments—they delve into the deeper meaning behind experiences. Choose a theme that allows you to reflect on what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and how the experience has shaped your perspective. Your essay should provide insight into your character and how you think.
Example: Instead of simply writing about winning a debate tournament, focus on how the process taught you the importance of listening to opposing viewpoints and finding common ground.
4. Be Authentic
Admissions officers are experts at spotting essays that feel forced or inauthentic. Choose a theme that genuinely reflects who you are. Authenticity is key to creating a meaningful and memorable essay. If you try to write about something just because you think it’s what colleges want to hear, your essay may come across as generic or insincere.
Example: If you’re passionate about a niche hobby like origami or restoring vintage bicycles, don’t shy away from writing about it—your enthusiasm and authenticity will make your essay stand out.
Finding the Perfect Hook for Your College Essay
1. What is an Essay Hook?
The hook is the opening sentence or paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for your essay. It’s your chance to immediately engage the admissions officer and make them want to read more. A great hook is often surprising, intriguing, or thought-provoking.
2. Types of Effective Hooks
Vivid Descriptions: Start with a vivid description that puts the reader in a specific moment or scene. This approach can be particularly effective if your essay involves a significant experience or event. Example: “The smell of burnt rubber filled the air as the tires screeched on the asphalt, and I realized that everything I’d been working for was on the line in that single moment.”
A Thought-Provoking Question: Asking a question that challenges conventional thinking or invites the reader to reflect can be a powerful way to draw them in. Example: “What does it mean to truly belong in a place that has never felt like home?”
A Surprising Statement: Start with a bold or surprising statement that piques curiosity. Example: “I’ve always been more comfortable among code and algorithms than people.”
A Personal Anecdote: Begin with a brief anecdote that reveals something important about you. Example: “I was six years old when I first understood that words have power. I learned this from a story my grandmother told me, one that shaped the way I see the world today.”
Dialogue: Dialogue can be a compelling way to open an essay, as it immediately pulls the reader into a moment of interaction. Example: “‘You’re too quiet to be a leader,’ they said. Those words echoed in my mind as I stood in front of the room, ready to prove them wrong.”
3. Choosing the Right Hook for Your Theme
Your hook should align with the overall theme and tone of your essay. For example, if your essay theme is reflective and introspective, a thought-provoking question or personal anecdote might be more appropriate. If your essay is action-packed or focused on a specific event, a vivid description or dialogue could be a better fit.
4. Don’t Overthink the Hook in Your First Draft
While the hook is important, don’t get stuck trying to perfect it in your first draft. Sometimes, the best hooks emerge after you’ve written the rest of the essay. Focus on getting your ideas down first—polishing the hook can come later during revisions.
Writing the First Draft: A Step-by-Step Approach
1. Start with a Brainstorming Session
Before you begin writing, spend some time brainstorming ideas for your essay. Write down key experiences, challenges, and values that define you. Think about how these experiences have shaped your perspective and consider different ways you could connect them into a cohesive theme.
2. Outline Your Essay
Once you’ve identified a theme and potential hook, create a basic outline for your essay. Your outline should include:
- Introduction: Start with your hook and briefly introduce your theme.
- Body Paragraphs: Use each paragraph to explore a different aspect of your theme. Include specific examples, anecdotes, and reflections.
- Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by tying everything back to your theme and explaining its significance.
3. Write Freely and Don’t Worry About Perfection
Your first draft is just that—a draft. Don’t worry about getting every word perfect or having flawless transitions. The goal is to get your ideas on paper so you can refine them later. Let your thoughts flow freely, and focus on capturing your voice and key points.
4. Reflect on Your Experiences
College essays are most impactful when they reveal something meaningful about the writer. As you draft your essay, reflect on the deeper significance of your experiences. What did you learn? How did you grow? How has this experience shaped who you are today? Your reflections are what will make your essay stand out.
5. Keep Your Audience in Mind
Remember that your audience is an admissions officer who is reading hundreds of essays. Make sure your writing is clear, engaging, and easy to follow. Avoid overly complex language and focus on telling your story in a compelling and relatable way.
The Revision Process: Turning Your First Draft into a Polished Essay
1. Take a Break Before Revising - After finishing your first draft, take a break before revising. Stepping away from your essay for a few days gives you fresh perspective and allows you to approach revisions with a clear mind.
2. Focus on Big Picture Changes First - Start by focusing on the big picture. Does your essay have a clear theme? Does it flow logically from one idea to the next? Are there any sections that need more detail or clarity? Once the overall structure is solid, you can move on to refining the language and polishing your hook.
3. Seek Feedback from Trusted Advisors - Ask a college counselor, teacher, or trusted friend to review your essay and provide feedback. They can help you identify areas that need improvement and suggest ways to strengthen your essay.
4. Edit for Clarity and Conciseness - As you revise, aim to make your writing as clear and concise as possible. Eliminate unnecessary words or phrases and focus on conveying your ideas in a straightforward, impactful way. Remember, admissions officers have limited time—make every word count.
5. Polish Your Hook - Finally, revisit your hook. Now that you have a complete draft, you may have new insights on how to refine your opening. Your hook should set the tone for the essay, align with your theme, and leave the reader eager to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Starting the first draft of your college essay can be intimidating, but by focusing on identifying a compelling theme and crafting a strong hook, you can set yourself up for success. Remember that your first draft is just the beginning—embrace the drafting and revision process as an opportunity to discover your voice and refine your story. By following these strategies, you can create a college essay that not only stands out but also authentically represents who you are and what you bring to the table. At Admyssion, we are here to help you every step of the way, providing personalized guidance and resources to ensure your success.
