College Essay Writing Insights

The video provides a comprehensive guide to writing college essays, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and storytelling. It debunks industry myths, offers practical advice, and highlights the significance of showing over telling. The video also covers brainstorming techniques, idea selection, and writing conclusions, aiming to help students craft engaging and meaningful essays.

What is the main promise made at the beginning of the video?

• To help write essays better than 99% of people

• To offer a free college application review

• To guarantee admission to an Ivy League school

• To provide a list of top colleges

Why do college admissions companies overhype the importance of essays?

• To help students get into Ivy League schools

• To ensure students write better essays

• To provide free resources

• To increase their business

What is part of the holistic review process in college applications?

• All of the above

• Extracurricular activities

• Grades and test scores

• Only the college essay

What should a college essay aim to convey?

• A detailed academic history

• A summary of extracurricular activities

• A list of awards and accolades

• A student's personality and character

What is the concept of 'fit' in college admissions?

• Submitting applications to multiple colleges

• Ensuring a student has perfect grades

• Matching a student's personality with the university

• Focusing solely on extracurriculars

What is criticized about typical YouTube advice on essay writing?

• It provides too many examples

• It often lacks genuine creativity

• It focuses too much on creativity

• It is too detailed

What is a key element of storytelling in essays?

• Writing in a formal tone

• Using complex vocabulary

• Listing achievements

• Showing rather than telling

Where can inspiration for essay ideas be found?

• Only in academic settings

• In unlikely places

• In college brochures

• In textbooks

What should you do if you feel stuck on which essay idea to choose?

• Choose the idea that is easiest to write

• Select the idea with the most awards

• Pick the idea that feels more creative

• Choose the most complex idea

What is an effective way to conclude an essay?

• By summarizing the entire essay

• By introducing a new topic

• By using a circular ending

• By listing all achievements again