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. 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
Timers don’t work for everyone. If that sounds like you, we’d recommend trying to set word count goals. Begin with small, achievable targets—say, 100 to 200 words per day. Don’t shoot for the moon on the first day. As you grow more comfortable with this routine, gradually increase the count. It’ll help with processing your essay, but also builds writing stamina. Tracking your word count also gives you the chance to visually measure your progress.
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
Looking at your essay as one big task is overwhelming. You’re trying to write this important document that’s supposed to perfectly represent who you are as a person and who you hope to be on campus. It’s easy to slip into thinking it’s possible. To combat this, we recommend breaking it into smaller, more manageable sections. For example, you can focus on the body paragraph for a day or two then go back to the introduction paragraph.
Tackling small sections reduces anxiety and makes the task seem less intimidating. It also allows for more focused and effective writing. You’ll have more time to refine your thoughts in each part without feeling rushed to complete the entire essay. The best part? 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 influences your productivity? While anywhere can be a great writing spot, creating a dedicated space, free of distractions, is sometimes all students need to succeed. Your writing spot could be anywhere, but ideally, you have a desk set up with all your writing needs—computer, notebooks, pens, and reference materials. 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!