How to Improve Your College Essays: Fixing Weak Hooks and Conclusions

Published on: August 17, 2024by AdmitGPT

Introduction

Every year, two of the biggest issues that I see in college essays are weak hooks and poor conclusions. These issues are prevalent in more than half of the essays we read and edit. However, Bad Endings and bad hooks are actually pretty easy to fix. In this article, we will discuss how to improve hooks and conclusions in your college essays.

Introduction

In the introduction of the article, the author, Kevin Zen, highlights the common issues of weak hooks and poor conclusions in college essays. He mentions that more than half of the essays they read and edit have these problems. However, he also expresses that these issues can be easily fixed, providing hope to students. Kevin Zen, a Yale graduate and co-founder of the elevated school, introduces himself and his focus on writing, including creative and analytical writing for students of different levels. He emphasizes the importance of crafting a strong essay to increase one's chances of getting admitted to college.

Kevin Zen then delves into the importance of hooks in college essays, as admission officers spend a very limited amount of time reviewing each application. He suggests starting with conflict to grab the reader's attention, providing examples of conflict hooks and explaining why they work effectively. He encourages students to consider raising the stakes and presenting uncomfortable or unusual situations they have experienced to create a compelling hook. Additionally, Kevin Zen discusses the different types of conflicts that can be featured in an essay, such as character versus self, character versus character, and character versus environment.

Moving on to conclusions, Kevin Zen discusses the significance of avoiding cliche or repetitive endings in college essays. He advises students to answer the questions 'so what' and 'what can I contribute to campus' in their conclusion to provide a unique and meaningful end to their essay. Using an example of a bake sale fundraiser, he demonstrates how to showcase personal values and aspirations in the conclusion to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Kevin Zen concludes by stressing the importance of showcasing one's contribution to the campus, whether tangible or intangible, as a key factor in college acceptances.

Hooks

In the section on hooks, Kevin Zen explains the significance of capturing the reader's attention from the beginning of a college essay. He underscores the limited time admission officers spend on each application and the importance of engaging them with a compelling hook. Kevin Zen suggests starting with conflict as a natural hook in storytelling and provides examples to illustrate the effectiveness of conflict hooks. He emphasizes the need to raise the stakes and present original and intense problems that the writer has faced to make the hook more impactful.

Furthermore, Kevin Zen discusses the strategy of beginning an essay with mystery by posing a question that intrigues the reader and is later answered within the story. He stresses the simplicity and effectiveness of posing a question at the start of the essay to evoke curiosity and engage the reader. By incorporating examples of mystery hooks, Kevin Zen demonstrates how this technique can draw the reader into the narrative and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

Kevin Zen also touches upon the different types of conflicts that can be featured in an essay, such as character versus self, character versus character, and character versus environment. He encourages students to explore their personal experiences and identify conflicts that resonate with them to develop a unique and captivating hook. Through practical tips and examples, Kevin Zen guides readers on how to craft a hook that captures attention and sets the stage for a compelling college essay.

Conclusions

In the discussion on conclusions, Kevin Zen highlights the common pitfalls of cliche or repetitive endings in college essays. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding these pitfalls by answering the questions 'so what' and 'what can I contribute to campus' in the conclusion. Using a scenario of a bake sale fundraiser, Kevin Zen demonstrates how to elevate the conclusion by showcasing personal values and connecting them to broader aspirations. By emphasizing the significance of presenting a unique and meaningful conclusion, Kevin Zen guides students on how to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Kevin Zen further explains the concept of contribution to campus as a critical factor in college acceptances and success in the application process. He shares insights on how students can showcase their contributions, whether tangible or intangible, and how it can impact their college applications positively. By offering practical advice and examples, Kevin Zen empowers students to craft conclusions that reflect their values, aspirations, and potential impact on the college campus.

Highlights

• Hooks are crucial in engaging college admission officers who spend minimal time on each application
• Conflict hooks are effective in grabbing the reader's attention and creating immediate interest
• Introducing mystery through questions can make your essay more captivating and intriguing
• Conclusions should focus on the 'so what' and your potential contribution to the college campus
• Highlighting your unique values and experiences can set you apart in college essay conclusions

FAQ

See Also

Analyzing and Improving a College Application Essay

Tips for Applying to Scholarships

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement

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