A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Outstanding UW Essays
Introduction: When applying to the University of Washington (UW), your essay plays a crucial role in showcasing your unique qualities and experiences. It’s not just about good grades and test scores, but also about expressing yourself effectively. In this article, we will provide you with UW essay examples and offer a complete guide to help you write an exceptional essay.
The University of Washington and Its Essay Requirements: The University of Washington is renowned for its academic reputation and selectivity, often compared to the prestigious Ivy League schools. To apply, you will need to write two required essays, along with an optional third essay. Here are the details of the essay requirements:
- Coalition essay (500 words)
- Short response (300 words)
- Additional information (optional, 200 words)
It’s important to note that the Coalition app includes an essay prompt that all applicants must answer. These essays, including the Coalition essay, will be submitted in the UW section of the application.
Writing an Exceptional UW Essay: When writing your UW essay, it’s crucial to stand out from other applicants. Admissions counselors read numerous essays, and you want yours to be memorable. Here are some tips to help you craft an outstanding essay:
- Tell a Story: Instead of listing your accomplishments, focus on telling a story that reflects an important moment or experience in your life. A vivid narrative will engage the reader and make your essay more compelling.
- Capture the Reader’s Attention: Pay special attention to the opening of your essay. Incorporate hints of something dramatic or intriguing to maintain the reader’s interest throughout.
- Be Yourself: Avoid trying to sound like a perfect college student. Instead, be authentic and let your unique voice shine through. The university is interested in getting to know who you are and how you think.
- Set the Tone: Your essay should strike a friendly and approachable tone, while still maintaining professionalism. Use complete sentences, avoid slang, and steer clear of clichés. Employing clever metaphors or turns of phrase can make your essay memorable, but be mindful not to overdo it.
- Be Concise: Write using as few words as possible, eliminating any unnecessary phrases or details that don’t contribute to your main points. Keep an eye out for excessive adjectives and aim for clarity and brevity.
- Use Active Voice: Search for instances where you’ve used variations of the verb “to be” and replace them with active verbs. Restructuring sentences to place the subject at the beginning will also help eliminate passive voice constructions.
- Be Specific: Instead of making broad statements, provide specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, rather than stating, “I want to help people,” explain how you were inspired by your mother, who always selflessly assists those in need.
- Avoid Trying to Impress: Long sentences and unnecessarily complex vocabulary don’t enhance your essay. Stick to words you’re comfortable with and make sure you use them correctly.
- Minimize the Use of “I”: If you find yourself using “I” excessively, revise your essay to reduce its frequency. While it can be challenging in a personal essay, excessive use of “I” can indicate poor writing.
- Proofread and Revise: Seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as parents, teachers, or friends, to gain fresh perspectives on your essay. They can provide grammar and spelling corrections and offer suggestions for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and make necessary revisions.
- Let it Simmer: After completing your essay, set it aside for a few days before revisiting it. Reading it with fresh eyes will help you identify any areas that may need refinement or adjustment.
UW Essay Examples: Example 1: Title: The Transformative Power of a Cold December Night
Introduction: Aspiring to become a Husky at the University of Washington goes beyond just academic achievements. Alongside strong grades and test scores, crafting a compelling essay is essential. In this article, we present UW essay examples and provide a comprehensive guide to help you in writing your essay effectively.
Understanding the University of Washington Essay Section: The University of Washington requires two mandatory essays and offers an optional third essay. The following essays are part of the application:
- Coalition essay (500 words)
- Short response (300 words)
- Additional information (optional, 200 words)
While the Coalition app offers five essay prompts, the University of Washington requires all applicants to respond to a specific prompt. It’s important to note that these essays will be submitted in the UW section of the application, separate from the Coalition Essay section.
Writing a Remarkable UW Essay: When composing your UW essay, it’s crucial to stand out and captivate the admissions counselors who read numerous essays each year. Here are some pointers to help you create a remarkable essay:
- Tell a Story: Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, paint a vivid picture by narrating a significant moment or experience that has left a lasting impression on you. Personal anecdotes help showcase your unique qualities.
- Capture the Reader’s Attention: Pay special attention to the opening lines of your essay. Consider incorporating elements of intrigue or drama to hook the reader and maintain their interest throughout.
- Be Authentic: Rather than trying to conform to a perfect college student stereotype, let your true self shine through in your writing. The admissions committee is eager to understand who you are and how you think.
- Set the Tone: Strike a friendly yet professional tone in your essay. Use complete sentences, avoid slang, and steer clear of clichés. Introduce clever metaphors or turns of phrase, but ensure they enhance your message without overshadowing it.
- Be Concise: Strive for brevity and clarity by using as few words as possible. Eliminate any extraneous information or redundant phrases that do not contribute to your main ideas.
- Use Active Voice: Identify and replace instances of passive voice with active verbs. By restructuring sentences and placing the subject at the beginning, you can eliminate passive constructions and create more engaging writing.
- Be Specific: Instead of making general statements, provide concrete examples to support your arguments. Rather than stating a desire to “help people,” share a personal story that exemplifies your compassion and empathy.
- Avoid Impressing for the Sake of It: Lengthy sentences and excessive vocabulary do not necessarily enhance your essay. Stick to words you are comfortable with and ensure they are used correctly to convey your ideas effectively.
- Minimize the Use of “I”: While personal essays naturally include the pronoun “I,” be cautious not to overuse it. Excessive “I” statements can indicate poor writing skills. Seek a balance between personal reflection and broader perspectives.
- Proofread and Revise: Seek feedback from trusted individuals such as parents, teachers, or friends. They can provide valuable insights, grammar and spelling corrections, and suggestions for improving your essay. Be open to constructive criticism and make necessary revisions.
- Let it Simmer: After completing your essay, set it aside for a few days before revisiting it. This fresh perspective will allow you to spot areas that may require refinement or reorganization.
Conclusion: Crafting an exceptional UW essay is crucial in presenting a comprehensive understanding of who you are beyond your academic achievements. By following the tips provided and referring to the UW essay examples, you can create a standout essay that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.