Writing The College Application Essay (Page 7 of 9) in pdf

of the seven, I may convince myself that I championed the fourth heat. But, I never dare

to wipe away the memory of my seventh place swim; I need that daily reminder of my

imperfection. I need that seventh place.

Two years ago, I joined the no-cut swim team. That winter, my coach unexpectedly

assigned me to swim the 500 freestyle. After stressing for hours about swimming 20 laps

in a competition, I mounted the blocks, took my mark, and swam. Around lap 14, I

looked around at the other lanes and did not see anyone. “I must be winning!” I thought

to myself. However, as I finally completed my race and lifted my arms up in victory to

the eager applause of the fans, I looked up at the score board. I had finished my race in

last place. In fact, I left the pool two minutes after the second-to-last competitor, who

now stood with her friends, wearing all her clothes.

The blue for the first loser went to me.

However, as I walked back to my team, carrying the seventh place blue, listening to the

splash of the new event’s swimmers, I could not help but smile. I could smile because

despite my loss, life continued; the next event began. I realized that I could accept this

failure, because I should not take everything in life so seriously. Why should I not laugh

at the image of myself, raising my arms up in victory only to have finished last? I

certainly did not challenge the school record, but that did not mean I could not enjoy the

swim.

So, the blue seventh place ribbon sits there, on my mantel, for the world to see. I feel no

shame in that. In fact, my memorable 20 laps mean more to me than an award because

over time, the blue of the seventh place ribbon fades, and I become more colorful by

embracing my imperfections and gaining resilience-but not athleticism. (386 words)

Step 2. Getting Started on the Writing Process

After you have your topic, freewrite about it—including as many concrete details, snippets of

dialogue, and examples as you can. Write about twice the word limit—1300 words for the

Common Application essay. Don’t worry about format, grammar, spelling, or paragraphs just

yet. Make yourself sit in a chair and just write for 15 minutes, then take a break. Write so that

someone can visualize what you are writing about. Concrete details are the key. Every essay has

a claim (the characteristic about yourself that you want to get across) and the evidence (the

details that show that characteristic in you). If you write 1000 words and find that any other

student could change just a few words and turn that essay into an essay about him or her, then

you are not being specific enough (McGinty 87). Observe and describe your environment in

detail.

Then, think of paragraphing—an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs, and a short

concluding paragraph. The introductory paragraph doesn’t have to be the beginning of the

story—starting “in the middle of things” or “in medias res” is a common and effective

introduction and framing device. Then “flash back” to the events that led to your being in the

position described in your introductory paragraph.

From Alamance Community College’s Writing Center

Writing The College Application Essay Page 7