Writing your college application essay is scary whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out. Many students struggle with getting their ideas down on paper, battling writer’s block, or even finding the motivation to start. That’s we we’ve written this blog to help you know how to start your college essay.
At Marks Education, we provide college essay writing help that gives students the tools they need to succeed. That’s why we’ve written this blog, jam-packed with writing tips to help you break through writing barriers and get your words flowing.
1. Set Timers
One of the most effective ways to get started with your college essay is to use a timer to create focused writing sessions. This technique, often referred to as the Pomodoro Technique, involves setting a timer for a short period, typically 25 minutes, where you write continuously, and then take a break. Even 5-10 minutes a day can really make a difference in your essay load. After the timer goes off, take a five-minute break to stretch, grab a cup of coffee, eat a sweet treat, or just relax. You’ve done more work on your college essay than most people will that day! But if you feel up to it, set the timer again and repeat the process. These short bursts of focused effort can prevent burnout and keep you motivated.
2. Daily Word Count Goals
If setting a timer isn’t for you, another college essay writing tip is to set daily word count goals to keep you on track. Begin with small, achievable targets—say, 100 to 200 words per day. As you grow more comfortable with the writing process, gradually increase the count. This method not only helps in progressing your essay but also builds up your writing stamina. Tracking your word count also provides a visual measure of progress, which can be incredibly satisfying as you write your long list of essays.
3. Use Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer’s Block
Writer’s block can be a major hurdle in college application essay writing. Take it from us: an effective way to overcome it is by using writing prompts. Your preferred writing prompt can be in response to specific questions or general topics related to your essay. If you’re struggling, try writing quick, informal responses to these prompts without worrying about the quality of your writing. This method puts you in a writing flow state that makes it easier to transition into more serious essay writing.
Think of it as a warm-up exercise before the actual game—it gets your mental muscles ready and active. But you never know what gems brainstorming like this might turn up! You might just find your winning college essay topic from a prompt about cereal or a great day with family.
4. Break the Essay Into Small, Manageable Sections
Still not sure how to start your college essay? Looking at your essay as one big task is overwhelming. So, try breaking it into smaller, more manageable sections. For example, you can focus on writing just the introduction one day, and a body paragraph the next, until you finish your essay. Tackling small sections at a time can reduce anxiety and make the task seem less intimidating. It also allows for more focused and effective writing, as you have more time to refine your thoughts in each part without feeling rushed to complete the entire essay. Not to mention, this method could have the major drafting work of your essay done within a week!
5. Create a Dedicated Writing Space
Did you know that your environment significantly influences your productivity? Creating a dedicated writing space, free of distractions, is one of the most conducive tips for writing. This could be anywhere, but ideally, you have a desk set up with all your writing needs—computer, notebooks, pens, and reference materials. Maybe your desk in your room or a quiet corner in a library. The key is consistency. You should use this spot exclusively for writing. Over time, just sitting there will put you in the right mindset to write. Make sure it’s comfortable because you could be spending a lot of time there!
Conclusion
Hopefully, these techniques will build your confidence and bring you closer learning how to start your college essay. But even better, we hope these tips also work for every school assignment; establishing good habits now will give you an advantage when you start college-level work.
Still looking for help? Contact a Marks Education Educational Advisor today to learn more about our Admissions Guidance packages and how this kind of assistance might be right for you.
