50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays - Paperback

by Gen Tanabe (Author), Kelly Tanabe (Author)

The powerful tools in this invaluable resource equip students with the skills to write successful entrance essays for top-notch universities. The strengths and weaknesses of 50 application compositions from Ivy League schools, as well as Caltech, Duke, MIT, Stanford, and University of Chicago, are analyzed in detail, highlighting techniques to emulate and mistakes to avoid. College admission officers from some of these schools provide informative strategies and inside information on their writing assessment criteria. A comprehensive writing workshop provides tips toward selecting topics, developing stories, editing drafts, and applying finishing touches. Acknowledging that the written portion of the process is one of the most important factors for admission into highly selective schools, this helpful guidebook offers sage advice and inspiration to keep applicants on the right track.

Back Jacket

For every open spot at an Ivy League college, there are 10 to 12 eager applicants vying for it--and you're one of them. On paper, most applicants appear the same. All are well qualified academically with high grades and test scores and solid involvement in extracurricular activities.

The essay is where you stand out. The essay is your opportunity to demonstrate why you are a perfect fit at the college, how you will contribute to the student body, and why the college should accept you over those other 11 applicants. This guide will help you craft that winning essay. You will learn:

How to select the best topic

What Ivy League admissions officers want to see in your essay

The 25 mistakes that guarantee failure

The top tips from Ivy League students on how to write a successful essay

PLUS, there are more than 50 real essays from students accepted to Ivy League colleges and MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Duke, and the University of Chicago. Each includes a complete analysis so you can see exactly what worked and even what could be improved upon.

Author Biography

Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe are the authors of 14 books including The Ultimate Scholarship Book, 1001 Ways to Pay for College and How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay. They tour the country as speakers on college planning and live in Belmont, California.