1. Timing Don’t procrastinate especially if the school allows you to send in your essay after you submit your application. Mail them together if possible.

2. Feedback Have a family member, friend or parent look over your essay; encourage their honest comments.

3. Rough Drafts- Always write a rough draft and let it "cool off" for a couple of days. You’ll catch more mistakes.

4. Proofread- Double check for spelling and grammatical errors before you mail it in. Spell checkers are not fail safe; use a dictionary.

5. Creative- Use anecdotes, bits of dialogue and humor. But don’t forget about structure, grad the readers attention at first and tie the essay together.

6. Concise- Be brief. The best essays are not necessarily the log ones. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, do not try their patience.

7. Casual- College essays aren’t formal writing exercises. The tone should be casual not chatty.

8. Careful- Make sure the essay is grammatically correct, spelled properly and punctuated properly.

Make your essays as personal as possible.

Aviod the "cute" extras such as lengthy resumes, photos, homemade gifts, etc.

Include non-school achievements and responsibilities such as church volunteer projects, a job promotion, taking care of your little brother after school.

Look into College Link , 800-994-8180, a program with 800 colleges that has one electronic questionnaire; or Common Application a generic questionnaire accepted in place of many colleges own application. Ask your guidance counselor for more info.