Writing a Successful College Application Essay

A well-written application essay gives students a big advantage in the admission process at many of the nation's best colleges. This book guides prospective college entrants through the do's and don'ts of the essay writing process and offers them three easy steps for success.

• Step One: Read the book’s sample essays and pay special attention to the critiques that point out their strengths and weaknesses.
• Step Two: Pick a topic matters to you—one that opens a window to your personality, your passions, and your mind—a topic that tells colleges who you really are.
• Step Three: Let author George Ehrenhaft guide you through the process of planning your essay, writing a rough draft, and editing it to perfection

This new edition analyzes both the increasingly popular Common Application essay topics and numerous supplementary essay topics required by many colleges. Included are several full-length sample essays from recent applicants, each with a critique that discusses its strengths or indicates missteps. This book offers crucial essay-writing instruction and advice for all college-bound students.

George Ehrenhaft has been writing for Barron's for over three decades. During that time he has been the author or co-author of books on the SAT, the ACT, and both the AP English Literature and AP English Language exams. Other titles relate to English grammar and essay writing, especially writing college application essays. He has also written several Barron's Book Notes titles about literature, including The Grapes of Wrath and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Ehrenhaft spent most of his career teaching English in Westchester County, New York, at Fox Lane and Mamaroneck High Schools. He is now a resident of Moraga, California, where he has become a prolific watercolor painter.