Write an essay in which you tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and explain how and why this person is important to you.

Choose an issue of importance to you - the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope - and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, education goals, or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment.

Fluency

Does the essay reflect a a relative mastery of usage, conventions and vocabulary?

Logic

Do the sentences and ideas follow one another in a logical and coherent fashion?

Grammar

Does the essay reflect a relative knowledge of the proper conventions of grammar?

Do not simply use spell check or proofread your essay; these will not catch certain types of mistakes. Read your essay out loud. If a sentence doesn't sound right, it's probably because there is a mechanical or logical problem.

Mechanics

Do your sentences and words follow the proper conventions of punctuation and spelling?

Unified Theme or Subject

Narrow your topic to a single subject. Don't try to write a broad, general essay on how your entire life has changed. You can't do this in one page.

Remember that all essays ask for a theme that reflects cause and effect. The most important thing is how each experience has affected your life and your future experiences in college.

Clarity

Are your ideas specific and coherent? Choose language that reflects and relates specific ideas.

Creativity

Creativity engages the reader. Don't be afraid to take risks with your writing. Use creative examples.

Organization

Make sure your points follow logically. Utilize an outline to help organize your essay in a logical fashion.

Examples

Use specific examples to help make your points clear; it will make your essay solid and convincing. Examples render your points in a concrete, understandable fashion.

Emphasize how these experiences have helped to shape you into the person you are today and how college will be a continuation of that positive growth.