How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition 
asked by jan1975 on November 3, 2006 10:26 AM
When there are kids out there reading How to Write a Winning College Application Essay and taking author Michael James Mason's College Essay Workshop, you can hardly afford to be left behind. Mason's method requires a lot of hard work, but, as he says in his introduction, "There is no shortcut to writing an essay you are proud to send to the colleges of your choice." Mason recommends putting aside two hours a night for two weeks straight to accomplish this onerous task, which in the long run isn't much of a hardship, considering the possible payoff. During those two weeks, you will come upon your best subject matter by exploring 26 different aspects of yourself. "You don't have to be a star scholar or a superhero to write a great application essay," Mason says. "You just have to show on paper that you know some things about yourself and that your life has meaning and perspective." Mason knows what admissions officers are looking for, and he knows what they dread (he happens to be married to one). This terrific book also includes insightful chapters on the SAT II: Writing Test, financial-aid essays, and graduate-school application essays. --Jane Steinberg
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This best part of this book is that it has a large section (50+ pages) on how to gather the raw material on your life that can help you find the material for your essay. If you have no idea who your hero is or what adversity you've overcome, this will help you find your story and the supporting antecdotes that make your essay stand out. Mason also gives very specific instructions on how to write a good essay. This would be a good book for someone who wants some guidance turning ideas into a workable essay. It also has short chapters in writing essays for the SAT II English test, graduate school admissions and scholarship essays.
reviewed by rafit on November 3, 2006 1:56 PM
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Of the many books on college that I've brought home for my offspring to look at, _How to Write a Winning College Application Essay_ is the first that my daughter read.
The book is well organized and has interesting topics. My favorite was the chapter of essays gone wrong, and the intelligent discussion of what went wrong with them. My daughter spent hours on the writing exercises--though she hates her writing about herself--and I think they helped her. The tone of this book is helpful, not the least bit condescending, as it points out errors of content, style and tone that can hurt the applicant's chances.
The book is well organized and has interesting topics. My favorite was the chapter of essays gone wrong, and the intelligent discussion of what went wrong with them. My daughter spent hours on the writing exercises--though she hates her writing about herself--and I think they helped her. The tone of this book is helpful, not the least bit condescending, as it points out errors of content, style and tone that can hurt the applicant's chances.
reviewed by speaker on November 20, 2006 12:34 PM