how to get a 150 word essay

150 Word Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

Writing a 150-word essay may seem to be an easy task, as the text is pretty small. Yet, you may find it hard to squeeze all your ideas or present a logical line of argumentation within a text that’s only around one paragraph long. That’s why creating a short text is sometimes way more complicated than writing an extended essay.

What tasks can be in the form of a 150-word paper?

• An abstract may take 100-250 words.
• An annotated bibliography entry may also take 100-250 words.
• A discussion board post can be 150 to 400 words long.
• A short book report can take 150 to 250 words.

So, an assignment of this length is pretty common in academics. Read on to get 150-word essay topics and a writing guide. For more inspiring essay samples, check out IvyPanda essays collection!

• 🤖 Technology Essay Examples
• 💡 Topics for an Argumentative Essay
• 🚔 Juvenile Delinquency Essay Examples

✏️ How to Write a 150 Words Essay?

• 🌐 Social Media Essay Examples
• 🔢 Simple Essay Prompts
• 📊 Essay Examples about Business
• 📖 Prompts for an Essay about Literature
• 📋 Informative Essay Examples
• 🎓 Education Essay Examples & Prompts
• 📒 Narrative Essay Topics
• 💉 Essay Examples on Nursing

🤖 Human Dependence on Technology Essay: 150 Words Examples

• TechnologyOne: Offering SAAS Around the World When it comes to giving a piece of advice to a potential client regarding a support plan, I would recommend basing the decision on the consistency of need for the service.
• Smart Bed Technology in Healthcare An example of such a technology is a smart bed, which is a type of bed with sensors that collect information on the occupant. Nurses could use smart beds to track a patient’s response to […]
• Technology Promoting Learning in Education Teachers may aid kids in developing the abilities they will need to be successful in the occupations of the future as technological advancements fuel globalization and the digital revolution.
• Wearable Technology in Healthcare The introduction of new and relatively affordable wearable technology provided a significant opportunity for an increase in the overall population’s wellbeing. For example, one of the primary areas more suited for the broad application of […]
• Technology and Restaurant Guest Service In order to solve this problem, it is possible to conduct a survey among regular visitors and establish what type of service is the best for them.
• Technology and Public Outreach in Healthcare The most recent updates in robotics and their functions make it safe to say that the costs of care can be lowered, and the quality of various services can be improved while almost not involving […]
• Technology Usage in Skilled Nursing Facility To sum up, the technology is beneficial for healthcare institutions, considering that it allows easy storage of the patients’ health data.

💡 Topics for an Argumentative Essay 150 Words

• Fake news creates wrong social responses.
• Animal testing is bad, but no alternatives are available.
• The pharmacological industry is not about human health.
• Genetic cloning should be rigorously regulated.
• Human trafficking can’t be stopped because it is mandated by governments.
• The death penalty is an unfair punishment, even for the gravest crimes.
• Socialism is a better economic system than capitalism.
• A gap year is not a waste of time.
• Laws should be passed with equality in mind.
• Modern leaders rewrite history.
• The way Americans treated Native Americans is a dark page in US history.
• Commercials should be banned in programs for kids.
• Modern schools don’t protect diversity.
• Rising child diabetes rates are in part attributable to school canteen menus.
• Homework doesn’t help children learn.

🚔 Juvenile Delinquency Essay 150 Words: Examples

• Juvenile Delinquency: a Case Analysis The tracking of the juvenile from juvenile court to adult court and then through the system is shown in the outline below: Arrest.
• Analysis of Juvenile Murderer Case Jordan Brown, the son of the victim’s fiance, is one of the youngest suspects in the country to be charged with murder.
• The Expanding Role of the Prosecutor in Juvenile Justice A person in this position needs to work not only as an advocate of a particular person but the general society and their surrounding community.

Though a 150-word paper resembles a paragraph more than a full-size essay, it can still be written according to the essay logic and structuring principles.

Here are the main elements of this essay type you should consider.

150-Word Essay Structure

The structure of this essay type will depend on the professor’s or organization’s prompt. Suppose you’re applying to a college or want to get an internship. In that case, essays will require covering specific professional and academic skills, achievements, and ambitions. At the same time, an abstract type of writing will be highly structured, covering the topic’s background, literature, methods, and findings. However, an abstract is not regarded as an essay, so you should think of a 150-word assignment more as a brief yet logically constructed text.

You are welcome to use our free outline generator if structuring a 150-word essay causes any difficulties.

150-Word Essay Introduction

It’s important to make a relevant opening section in your essay – given the total word count of the essay, you should dedicate 10-20% to it, which translates into 30 words. Therefore, it makes sense to allocate 1-2 opening sentences to the topic’s introduction.

Try using the free research introduction maker we’ve developed to prepare an excellent introduction quickly.

150-Word Essay Conclusion

As with other essay types, you will need to make a summary of your content or formulate a call to action consistent with your essay’s purpose and structure. If it’s an application, voice a go-ahead to contact you via the contact channels enumerated in the resume. If it’s a grant application, recap all your relevant skills, expertise, and desire to make an impact.

Take a look at our concluding sentence generator to make a closing paragraph in no time.

How Many References Should I Use in a 150 Word Paper?

In most cases, such small essays will hardly have any references, as they need to present your personality and some relevant details about your academic and professional path. However, if you need to cover some references, the rule of thumb is to allocate 8-12 sources to each 1,000 words of your academic content, leaving you with 2-3 sources for this word count at most.

Make a reference list for your paper easily with our online ai citation generator .

🌐 Impact of Social Media Essay 150 Words: Examples

• The Impact of Social Media on the Rise in Crime For example, Jones cites revenge porn, or the practice of publishing a partner’s intimate contact on social media, as one of the results of social media use.
• Importance of Social Media Analytics Social media analytics is crucial to gathering an understanding of the market and improving a marketing campaign as it progresses, with the best tactical use that will generate sales.
• Social Media and Its Effects on Adolescents Orben, Tomova, and Blakemore have found that social deprivation might cause severe psychological complications to adolescents, particularly in the period of the pandemic.
• The Use of Social Media in Healthcare At the same time, other opportunities to use social media and healthcare websites are when planning to promote citizen engagement, answer common treatment queries, and expand the reach of recruitment efforts.
• Traditional vs. Social Media Celebrity Endorsements In traditional media, there is a fine print or disclaimer that makes it clear to the viewers that the celebrity was paid for the advertisement.
• ASOS: Social Media Marketing Discussion The primary buyers’ persona is a spectator, although the filter has enabled many posters creators to join the campaign, who, in turn, have drawn conversationalists into discussing the brand.

🔢 Simple 150 Words Essay Prompts

Benefits of travelling essay 150 words.

Explain what traveling means for you; dwell on your past traveling experiences and your personal and professional development that occurred on travel. Consider the pros of traveling for the person’s emotional well-being, relaxation, language studies, and widening of worldview.

How Can We Make This World a Better Place Essay in 150 Words

Write about your personal contributions to your local community’s well-being and the broader social impact you plan or want to produce with professional and non-professional activities. Analyze why it is essential to strive to make the world better.

My Dream House Paragraph 150 Words

This essay may deal with the topic from any perspective – a recollection of sweet memories from the past or a design project with some architectural points you want to implement when constructing a house in the future.

My Hobby Essay

Give an account of your favorite pastimes and the meaning you attach to those activities. Describe how you have adopted those hobbies and how you plan your time to develop all sides of your personality and relax in the process of indulging in a hobby pastime.

Who Am I Essay 150 Words

Take a deeper dive into who you are, what values you have formulated for your life philosophy, and what tenets of your character have formed in the process of growing up and coming of age. Dwell on the role of influential others in that process.

Life Changing Experience Essay 150 Words

Describe an instance that happened to you or others and explain how it shifted your values, worldview, or life plan. Give details about what you felt and how you made sense of that experience in later years.

My Pet Dog Essay 150 Words

Tell a story about your pet – whether an actual one or the one you had in childhood. Describe how you selected that pet and why you chose exactly the dog that you welcomed to your house. Talk about their character and your favorite games and pastimes; analyze how having a pet nurtured some character traits in you.

My Mother Essay 150 Words

Describe your relationships with your mother and analyze her impact on your character, attitude to people, and worldview. Mention some positive memories about your mutual pastime and dwell on the broader maternal role in people’s lives.

📊 150 Words Essay Examples about Business

• American Bankers Association as an Interest Group ABA consists of elites and all groups of people representing the banking sector in the United States. The mission of ABA is to enable its members to make the population informed by providing financial enlightenment.
• Employee Performance Software and Its Benefits The implementation of Employee Performance Software may seem to increase the quality of work that employees execute. Through the inclusion of EPS in worker-evaluation rubrics, companies may obtain a more productive organizational structure that is […]
• Edelman Company Code of Ethics and Business Conduct The company’s goal is to retain its swiftness as the leading PR Agency in the region. The company addresses every issue affecting the UAE.

📖 Prompts for a 150-word Essay about Literature

The gift of the magi summary and analysis in 150 words.

Give a brief summary of The Gift of the Magi and explain its major idea. Talk about the importance of staying kind and loving even with little money at hand and exemplify the expression of love and caring with the main characters’ relationship.

No Man Is an Island Essay 150 Words

Examine the symbolism of the poem and explain how it approaches the social nature of human beings and the need to trust others and rely on people’s help and support. Provide your own response to the poem by explaining how you felt after reading it.

Cinderella Summary and Analysis in 150 Words

Describe the ancient symbolism behind the Cinderella story . Examine the meaning of magical help and the role of villains in the story. Talk about the archetypes of poor servant girls, the unfairness of wicked family members, and the final revelation and true love as main themes.

Symbolism in the Poem the Road not Taken in 150 Words

Analyze the symbol of the road in Robert Frost’s poem . Talk about the roads of your life that you have considered at certain moments of your life and which road you’ve decided to take, as well as the implications of that choice.

The Theme of the Poem Ozymandias in 150 Words

Discuss the transience of power and the mortality of all rulers, no matter the footprint and impact they produce in their communities. Examine how Shelley illustrated those contemplations on the example of the Ramses II statue.

📋 Informative 150-word Essay Examples

• Clutter in English Speech and Writing To avoid clutters, a writer should avoid unnecessary words, avoid repetition and economize words. Highlighting and removing redundant and unnecessary words and phrases can help one to be a concise writer.
• Common Small-Group Networks Effectiveness The wheel network is characterized by the presence of the leader, and the member of the network communicate with the leader without contacting each other.
• Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Doctrine Mussolini was a fascist, and he believed in a fascist state that is strongly based on the popular support of the masses that slight resemblance to democracy could be confused with true democracy, but the […]
• Intrinsic Defects Definition Intrinsic defect is a property that determines the conductivity of electrons in a given structure. The subjection leads to intrinsic defects, a phenomenon that affects the mechanical properties of materials in structures.
• Japanese Culture and Identity in the Modern Era I strongly believe that Japanese popular culture might lose its identity due to influence from other cultures, which may lead to a slight modification of the culture.
• American Music Bands: Dixie Chicks and The Weavers Moreover, the difficulties faced by the Weavers can mostly be explained by the pressure of the government that urged recording companies and radio stations to shun them.

🎓 150-Word Education Essay Examples & Prompts

Online education vs. traditional education essay 150 words.

Give a brief account of the comparative pros and cons of studying online or in the classroom . Talk about the impact of technology on educational processes and outcomes. Mention the limitations of technology in terms of quality education.

Cheating in Exams Essay 150 Words

Express your opinion about cheating in exams; examine the causes that push students towards cheating. Propose fair punishments and interventions for cheaters based on the gravity of their offenses.

Role of Students in Society Essay 150 Words

Talk about the role of students as the intellectual elite of any society, their role in changing their societies, implementing scientific and technological innovations, and their potential impact on civic citizenship.

Good Study Habits Essay 150 Words

Describe your good study habits and explain how they help you attain greater productivity and higher grades. Write about the habits you still struggle to adopt and your plans for making this happen.

• Philosophy Teaching and Learning Motivation The best method to teach and be close to students is being receptive to their criticisms. The teacher’s goal should be to always have students understand the lesson but not its end.

📒 Narrative Essay 150 Words: Topic Ideas

• How I lost a friend.
• My first travel to Asia.
• The movie that changed my life.
• My battle for school success and active social life.
• Bad weather and school motivation.
• The impact of feeling humiliated on my self-esteem.
• A bad choice I regret.
• The most puzzling family tradition I have witnessed.
• My family traditions.
• A holiday that means the most to me.
• Confronting a fear and coping with it.
• Things I fear the most.
• A story of my pet selection.
• My experience in a summer camp.
• The way I will change the world.

💉 150-Word Essays on Medicine & Nursing

• The Analysis of the Results of the Biomedical Research The article is devoted to the analysis of the results of the biomedical research carried out in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.
• Facilitating Uptake of the Vaccine Facilitating the uptake of measles vaccine among Samoans and in South-West Sydney and Western Sydney would involve rapid identification of eligible groups.

📌 150 Word Essay: Answers to the Most Pressing Questions

📌 150 word essay is how long.

How many pages is a 150-word essay? It depends on the line spacing. A paper of this length will take a half page (single-spaced) or one page (double-spaced). The exact length of your 150 words will depend on the citation style used, the footnotes, and the bibliography.

📌 How Many Paragraphs Is 150 Words?

How many paragraphs is a 150-word essay? Since a typical paragraph in academic writing contains 50-100 words, an essay of 150 words will consist of 2 to 4 paragraphs.

📌 150 Words Is How Many Sentences?

How many sentences is a 150-word essay? A typical sentence in academic writing consists of 15-20 words. So, 150 words are not less than 8-11 sentences.

📌 How to Write a 150-Word Paper Outline?

When you write a 150-word essay, proper planning is the key to success. Such a short piece will consist of three to five concise paragraphs. A 150-word paper outline can contain a short introduction with background information, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

📌 How Fast Can You Write a 150 Word Essay?

How long does it take to write a 150-word essay? It will take you 3-6 minutes to type 150 words on your keyboard (the total time will depend on your typing speed). Writing an academic paper will take more time because you’ll have to research, make an outline, write, format, and edit your text. It would be best if you planned to spend not less than 30 minutes for a 150-word paper.

📌 How to Extend an Essay Word Count?

To extend the word count in a 150-word essay, you can clarify your position, add more examples, and use direct quotations. It is also worth checking if your introduction and conclusion are extensive, cohesive, and clear enough. It might be better to add some information to these two sections than to rework your body paragraphs.

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The Art of Crafting Impactful 150-Word Essays

Table of Contents

Essay writing is one of the most important tasks that college students need to master to achieve success in their academic journey. For an in-depth understanding of how to write the perfect 150-word essay, students must adhere to specific academic writing rules. These criteria essentially involve using the Harvard, MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, or any other essay formats and sticking to the introduction-body-conclusion layout. In this case, students have to write the first paragraph that finishes with a compelling thesis, which serves as the main pillar of the paper. In addition, a 150 word essay is not similar to a one-page paper, precisely in the formatting part. While a one-page paper adheres to a single-spaced outline, a 150 word essay sticks to a double-spaced one. Irrespective of these differences, these essay types must add evidence to showcase credibility.

The evidence comes in the main body part and must adhere to the basic rules. When it comes to the concluding remark, writers should come up with a restated thesis and a brief summary of the main themes without incorporating a new set of information. Today, in this guide, we will look at 150 word essay examples, along with the key elements, such as how many pages or words, and useful tips on how to write a compelling essay.

How Do You Write a 150 Word Essay?

There are a few crucial steps to writing a fantastic essay in 150 words. Scroll down to review them in detail.

Step 1 – Writing the Thesis

The first thing you must incorporate in your essay is the thesis statement, which is the main idea of your essay. It’s all about summarizing the question in just a sentence.

Step 2 – Writing the Introduction Paragraph

The first sentence of this part might be a general statement that sets the tone for your paper. Generally speaking, the introductory paragraph should gradually shift from broader concepts to specific, sentence by sentence, until leading up to your thesis.

Step 3 – Writing the Body Section

Now comes the part of writing the main body. Always remember that the main body parts must back up the thesis. Know how many body paragraphs you must write for this section. You have to write at least three body paragraphs, but do you know how many words must be there? Each paragraph must be 70 to 100 words long. For a short essay, you can opt for just one body paragraph.

Step 4 – Writing the Conclusion Paragraph

The last part concerns the concluding paragraph. You can start writing this paragraph with “As evident by A, B, and C,” “to summarize,” or a similar statement that highlights the main point in your essay. Use different words to make this part more engaging. The last sentence might include a general statement that leaves the reader in curiosity.

Once you achieve these 4 crucial steps, it is time to check off the key elements of such an essay. Now, what are the key elements? Let us check them below!

The Key Elements of a 150 Words Essay

As you know how many words to assign for each paragraph, you can come up with a 150 word essay that is persuasive and straightforward. However, it must feature key elements, which are as follows:

• Choosing relevant essay topics
• Coming up with a thesis statement
• Improving motivation
• Being aware of the assumptions
• Developing your essay as a logical argument
• Using evidence
• Considering complications
• Avoiding tangents
• Choosing the right orientation
• Adhering to the assigned writing style
• Using proper referencing
• Coming up with a concluding paragraph

After you gather valuable insights on the key elements, it’s time to learn the number of paragraphs you can add to an essay of 150 words. Continue reading to find out! 

How Many Paragraphs is a 150 Word?

A sample essay of 150 words should feature at least two or three paragraphs. Wondering how many sentences will be there? Generally, paragraphs in academic assignments ought to have three sentences and a minimum of 50–70 words. However, the exact number can vary depending on the factors like length and complexity of the sentences. It’s always recommended to keep paragraphs short and concise. Moreover, always try to focus on an idea at a time to ensure clarity for the reader. 

How to Structure a 150 Words Essay?

To properly structure an essay of 150 words, know how many words you should allocate for each section, and then opt for focused and concise writing. Here is a simple structure you can follow: 

• Introduction (20 to 30 words): Be it process essay topics or any other topics, start with a brief summary or a hook that can effectively draw the attention of readers. 
• Body (90 to 100 words) : Break this part into two to three paragraphs, each concentrating on a particular aspect of your topic. Introduce each paragraph with topic sentences and provide supporting details and examples.  
• Conclusion (20 to 30 words): Jot down the key factors explained in the body and provide a closing paragraph or call to action.

Why the Structure Works? 

• Brief: With a very minimum word count, this social structure makes sure you showcase your ideas with clarity. 
• Organization: It helps maintain a logical flow of details, making it simpler for the reader to grasp your ideas.
• Engagement: Starting with a powerful hook and wrapping up with an engaging conclusion lets you influence readers quickly.

Now that you know how the structure works, let us unlock a few tips for writing a compelling piece! 

Unique Tips for Writing a 150 Word Essay

To write an excellent sample essay in 150 words, you must follow a few key tips, as discussed below:

• Write the first draft from the beginning to the end without any breaks. This will help you to maintain a convincing flow of writing, and even you can make changes later on.
• Don’t over-edit your writing. After a few editing sessions, it’s best to take lengthy breaks. This is key to clearing the clutter in your head and returning with a stronger perspective.
• Don’t stress about the word count. Once you familiarize yourself with writing four two—to three-topic sentence paragraphs, your writing will naturally be 150 words long.
• Always avoid including vague sentences in your essay. Instructors consider this a strict no, so it’s best to come up with sentences that strengthen the support in the paragraphs in the body.
• If you believe that you have sufficiently and concisely answered the question below the allocated word count, always trust yourself. Most instructors value quantity over quality.

The more you practice writing an essay in 150 words, the easier it will become. To best train your brain, use free online sample essay writing prompts. Soon, you will be able to write 150 words without checking the word count.

Examples of 150 Word Essay

Example 1: benefits of genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering is the scientific practice of incorporating DNA into living organisms. The main idea is to create new traits that don’t exist naturally. From a personal perspective, there are many benefits of genetic engineering that contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life. There are no health risks as of now. 

Given its possible application to crops, genetic engineering could be seen as a potential solution to the problems of food scarcity and starvation. Genetically engineered plant breeding improves the traits and nutritional value of plants and increases their resistance to environmental variations and diseases.

One example is the artificially produced papaya that “has been grown for human consumption in the USA for a little over a decade” and is resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. Furthermore, whilst common fruits and vegetables are suited for a particular temperature range, genetically modified plants have the potential to thrive in distinct climate zones.

Example 2: Factors That Caused Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a very common mental illness found among young females and males. In this paper, I will talk about the different effects of this disorder on the minds of young adults. In this case, a question of interest arises, which is whether schizophrenia contributes to the increasing rates of deaths among young people.

Like other disorders, there are causes behind Schizophrenia as well. In this paper, I will evaluate what causes the disease, which will be either generic, emotional, physical, or environmental elements. Moreover, I will look for background information and explanations of how various aspects highlighted by different researchers are the main causes of the disease in young people.

The factors that I am going to focus on here include genetics. Structural alterations in the brain, including minor differences, contribute to the development of this disorder. Lack of neurotransmitters or chemical changes limit the flow of signals between brain cells. Abuse, drug use, and addiction among young adults are the main reasons behind it.

To Sum Up, 

Mastering 150-word essays requires putting in concise expression. By following academic writing standards and with proper structuring, you can effectively convey your ideas within a limited word count. From coming up with an engaging thesis to smartly summarizing the main points in the conclusion, a well-crafted structure serves as a roadmap for success. By embracing clarity, you can draw the attention of readers and come up with convincing arguments within a confined space. 

By following our essay writing guide and practicing daily, you can improve your skills and excel in the art of writing impactful essays in 150 words. 

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• What is a 150 word essay, and how is it defined?

An essay of 150 words is a brief write-up that college students must generate to secure good grades. It’s a significant part of the academic journey, which mainly tests the students’ knowledge of the topic and the skills needed to jot down thoughts concisely. The most common genres of essays of 150 words are a personal statement and a discussion board post for college applications.

• Are there specific guidelines for formatting a 150 word essay?

When dealing with an essay of 150 words, always go after a crisp structure. Start with a simple and clear introductory paragraph that sets the tone for the rest of your writing and introduces the topic. For an essay this short, you already know how many body paragraphs must be there. On the body part, just mention the main idea or argument. Finish the essay with a concise closing sentence summarizing the main points. If there is nothing specified by your instructor, always go after a simple font and standard formatting rules. Use words effectively that ensure clarity and coherence. This is key to conveying your message in the best possible manner.  

• How do I choose an engaging topic for a 150 word essay?

Choose a topic that is not broad but also interesting. Look after something you love or anything that relates to current events. Incorporate themes that are relevant to your audience. Pick a topic with enough depth to summarize in 150 words but not so broad that it becomes difficult to cover. Provide thought-provoking questions or give interesting facts to engage your readers. 

• Can you provide examples of well-written 150-word essays?

Methods of Determining Body Fat

Exercise is a key factor in improving the physical shape of the human body. Its advantages include weight control, maintaining body health, and preventing diseases. In this blog, we will discuss some reliable methods and devices for body fat analysis. 

Using a tape measure is more effective than scales, especially in girth measurements, such as waist reduction. For accuracy, use flexible metal tape, as measures made with cloth tape get stretched over time. Moreover, it’s important to appropriately use a tape measure and refer to proposition charts. Keep in mind that a weighing scale is not the right method to determine fat loss. 

Body composition is determined with a skin-fold calculator. It calculates subcutaneous fat by measuring the thickness of skin folds in areas like the triceps and subscapular area. To ensure accuracy and prevent variation in outcomes, it is done professionally and before exercising.

• What should be included in the introduction of a 150 word essay?

The introduction of a 150 word essay must deal with a brief overview of the topic and establish the context for the reader. Begin with an attention-grabbing sentence to convince the reader, followed by a clear thesis statement that highlights the main argument of the essay. In addition to this, state the significance of the topic and any key concepts that are going to be explored. Always be aware of the fact that you must keep the introduction section focused, setting the stage for the discussion that will follow in the body section. 

• How many paragraphs should a typical 150-word essay have?

A 150-word essay must have 2 to 3 paragraphs. In an academic paper, a paragraph should include a minimum of 50 – 70 words and 3 sentences. If you have a good typing speed, you can finish it within 10 to 15 minutes. 

• How can I ensure clarity and coherence in a concise 150-word format?

Focusing on a clear thesis or main idea can ensure clarity and coherence in a concise 150-word format. Use simple and short sentences, avoiding unnecessary words. Add a clear introductory paragraph, followed by the body section backing up your main idea, and lastly, an engaging conclusion that states the crucial points. Use transitions the right way to merge more ideas smoothly. Finally, proofread and edit your paper to clear any mistakes or redundancy. 

• Is there a specific structure for the conclusion in a 150-word essay?

You must keep your conclusion section brief yet impactful for an essay of 150 words. Start by mentioning your thesis or main argument again. Jot down the vital points you have already mentioned in the main body of the essay, highlighting their importance in relation to your thesis. Avoid introducing new data in the conclusion. Rather, give a final view of yours that reinforces the main idea of the essay. End with a strong closing paragraph that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. By following this structure, you can surely come up with a compelling conclusion.

Jack Williams

I am Jack Williams, a Biochemist by profession. However, I developed a flair for writing while working on my Bio dissertations at university. So, I decided to take his passion to another level by stepping into the field of English essay writing. Ever since I have not only been learning the essentials of English writing but also been sharing my learning with students. My blog posts are intended to help not only students learn the technicalities of essay writing but also enable them to face related changes head-on. When I am not researching in my lab or sharing my valuable learning, you can find me playing soccer with my buddies or painting something that touched my heart and inspired me. 

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How to Write an Essay in 150 Words

Typically, when you are asked to write an essay, you might expect a 400- to 700-word assignment; however, occasionally you might be asked to write something significantly shorter. Although shorter, a 150-word essay poses certain challenges that a longer essay doesn't. You must be concise, and have one main point and stick to it. Nevertheless, in writing an effective short essay you'll be using the same fundamentals of good essay writing that apply to any essay, regardless of length.

Begin your essay by doing some basic pre-writing. This might include brainstorming or a simple outline. Consider your topic and possible key points you want to make. If your topic relates to "Personal Ambitions," consider all the goals you have and then prioritize them, choosing the best for the purposes of your essay. Remember that for a 150-word essay, you should confine your essay to one primary point.

Develop a 30- to 40-word introduction. This introduction should begin with a broad context, such as "the difficulty in choosing a major in college," and then work toward your specific thesis: "Entering the nursing profession will provide me with an emotionally rewarding and lucrative career."

Move on to a single body paragraph of 50 to 80 words. This paragraph should basically provide support for your thesis statement. If your thesis is that nursing is a good career choice, then the body paragraph should emphasize how nursing is both emotionally rewarding and lucrative. Do not try to cover too much, and be specific with your examples.

End your essay with a 30- to 50-word conclusion that re-states your thesis and reviews the main points you made in your body paragraph. You also want to leave the reader with some final insight into the topic; this could be personal insight (your life will be better if you succeed at becoming a nurse) or insight into the subject itself (nursing is a field that more people should consider joining).

Proofread your paper carefully for grammar and spelling errors and any problems with clarity. One effective method of proofreading is to check your essay starting from the end and working backwards (last sentence, second to last sentence, and so on). This method will prevent you from focusing on your content and will allow you to concentrate strictly on sentence-level errors.

• Even though this is a short essay, do not write it as a single paragraph. Break the essay up into three separate paragraphs; this shows organization of thought.
• Don't try to cover more than one or two key points in your body paragraphs and use as many specific details and examples as you can.
• 1 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Essay Writing
• 2 CollegeBoard: College Essay Writing Tips

About the Author

Jake Damon has his Ph.D. in English from Texas Tech University. Damon has been a writer and editor since 1998. He edits two professional journals, has published books including "Catullan Consciousness" and "Re-Reading Thomas Traherne," and written articles for various academic and trade presses, including Oxford University Press, Associated University Presses and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Arizona State University.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best college essay length: how long should it be.

College Essays

Figuring out your college essay can be one of the most difficult parts of applying to college. Even once you've read the prompt and picked a topic, you might wonder: if you write too much or too little, will you blow your chance of admission? How long should a college essay be?

Whether you're a terse writer or a loquacious one, we can advise you on college essay length. In this guide, we'll cover what the standard college essay length is, how much word limits matter, and what to do if you aren't sure how long a specific essay should be.

How Long Is a College Essay? First, Check the Word Limit

You might be used to turning in your writing assignments on a page-limit basis (for example, a 10-page paper). While some colleges provide page limits for their college essays, most use a word limit instead. This makes sure there's a standard length for all the essays that a college receives, regardless of formatting or font.

In the simplest terms, your college essay should be pretty close to, but not exceeding, the word limit in length. Think within 50 words as the lower bound, with the word limit as the upper bound. So for a 500-word limit essay, try to get somewhere between 450-500 words. If they give you a range, stay within that range.

College essay prompts usually provide the word limit right in the prompt or in the instructions.

For example, the University of Illinois says :

"You'll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you'll answer will depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program , and if you've selected a second choice . Each response should be approximately 150 words."

As exemplified by the University of Illinois, the shortest word limits for college essays are usually around 150 words (less than half a single-spaced page). Rarely will you see a word limit higher than around 650 words (over one single-spaced page). College essays are usually pretty short: between 150 and 650 words. Admissions officers have to read a lot of them, after all!

Weigh your words carefully, because they are limited!

How Flexible Is the Word Limit?

But how flexible is the word limit? What if your poignant anecdote is just 10 words too long—or 100 too short?

Can I Go Over the Word Limit?

If you are attaching a document and you need one or two extra words, you can probably get away with exceeding the word limit by such a small amount. Some colleges will actually tell you that exceeding the word limit by 1-2 words is fine. However, I advise against exceeding the word limit unless it's explicitly allowed for a few reasons:

First, you might not be able to. If you have to copy-paste it into a text box, your essay might get cut off and you'll have to trim it down anyway.

If you exceed the word limit in a noticeable way, the admissions counselor may just stop reading your essay past that point. This is not good for you.

Following directions is actually a very important part of the college application process. You need to follow directions to get your letters of recommendation, upload your essays, send supplemental materials, get your test scores sent, and so on and so forth. So it's just a good general rule to follow whatever instructions you've been given by the institution. Better safe than sorry!

Can I Go Under the Word Limit?

If you can truly get your point across well beneath the word limit, it's probably fine. Brevity is not necessarily a bad thing in writing just so long as you are clear, cogent, and communicate what you want to.

However, most college essays have pretty tight word limits anyways. So if you're writing 300 words for an essay with a 500-word limit, ask yourself: is there anything more you could say to elaborate on or support your points? Consult with a parent, friend, or teacher on where you could elaborate with more detail or expand your points.

Also, if the college gives you a word range, you absolutely need to at least hit the bottom end of the range. So if you get a range from the institution, like 400-500 words, you need to write at least 400 words. If you write less, it will come across like you have nothing to say, which is not an impression you want to give.

What If There Is No Word Limit?

Some colleges don't give you a word limit for one or more of your essay prompts. This can be a little stressful, but the prompts generally fall into a few categories:

Writing Sample

Some colleges don't provide a hard-and-fast word limit because they want a writing sample from one of your classes. In this case, a word limit would be very limiting to you in terms of which assignments you could select from.

For an example of this kind of prompt, check out essay Option B at Amherst :

"Submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay."

While there is usually no word limit per se, colleges sometimes provide a general page guideline for writing samples. In the FAQ for Option B , Amherst clarifies, "There is no hard-and-fast rule for official page limit. Typically, we anticipate a paper of 4-5 pages will provide adequate length to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Somewhat longer papers can also be submitted, but in most cases should not exceed 8-10 pages."

So even though there's no word limit, they'd like somewhere in the 4-10 pages range. High school students are not usually writing papers that are longer than 10 pages anyways, so that isn't very limiting.

Implicit Length Guideline

Sometimes, while there's no word (or even page) limit, there's still an implicit length guideline. What do I mean by this?

See, for example, this Western Washington University prompt :

“Describe one or more activities you have been involved in that have been particularly meaningful. What does your involvement say about the communities, identities or causes that are important to you?”

While there’s no page or word limit listed here, further down on page the ‘essay tips’ section explains that “ most essay responses are about 500 words, ” though “this is only a recommendation, not a firm limit.” This gives you an idea of what’s reasonable. A little longer or shorter than 500 words would be appropriate here. That’s what I mean by an “implicit” word limit—there is a reasonable length you could go to within the boundaries of the prompt.

But what's the proper coffee-to-paragraph ratio?

Treasure Hunt

There is also the classic "treasure hunt" prompt. No, it's not a prompt about a treasure hunt. It's a prompt where there are no length guidelines given, but if you hunt around on the rest of the website you can find length guidelines.

For example, the University of Chicago provides seven "Extended Essay" prompts . You must write an essay in response to one prompt of your choosing, but nowhere on the page is there any guidance about word count or page limit.

However, many colleges provide additional details about their expectations for application materials, including essays, on FAQ pages, which is true of the University of Chicago. On the school’s admissions Frequently Asked Questions page , they provide the following length guidelines for the supplemental essays: 

“We suggest that you note any word limits for Coalition or Common Application essays; however, there are no strict word limits on the UChicago Supplement essays. For the extended essay (where you choose one of several prompts), we suggest that you aim for around 650 words. While we won't, as a rule, stop reading after 650 words, we're only human and cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention indefinitely. For the “Why UChicago?” essay, we suggest about 250-500 words. The ideas in your writing matter more than the exact number of words you use!”

So there you go! You want to be (loosely) in the realm of 650 for the extended essay, and 250-500 words for the “Why UChicago?” essay.

Help! There Really Is No Guidance on Length

If you really can't find any length guidelines anywhere on the admissions website and you're at a loss, I advise calling the admissions office. They may not be able to give you an exact number (in fact, they probably won't), but they will probably at least be able to tell you how long most of the essays they see are. (And keep you from writing a panicked, 20-page dissertation about your relationship with your dog).

In general, 500 words or so is pretty safe for a college essay. It's a fairly standard word limit length, in fact. (And if you're wondering, that's about a page and a half double-spaced.) 500 words is long enough to develop a basic idea while still getting a point across quickly—important when admissions counselors have thousands of essays to read!

"See? It says 500 words right there in tiny font!"

The Final Word: How Long Should a College Essay Be?

The best college essay length is usually pretty straightforward: you want to be right under or at the provided word limit. If you go substantially past the word limit, you risk having your essay cut off by an online application form or having the admissions officer just not finish it. And if you're too far under the word limit, you may not be elaborating enough.

What if there is no word limit? Then how long should a college essay be? In general, around 500 words is a pretty safe approximate word amount for a college essay—it's one of the most common word limits, after all!

Here's guidance for special cases and hunting down word limits:

If it's a writing sample of your graded academic work, the length either doesn't matter or there should be some loose page guidelines.

There also may be implicit length guidelines. For example, if a prompt says to write three paragraphs, you'll know that writing six sentences is definitely too short, and two single-spaced pages is definitely too long.

You might not be able to find length guidelines in the prompt, but you could still hunt them up elsewhere on the website. Try checking FAQs or googling your chosen school name with "admissions essay word limit."

If there really is no word limit, you can call the school to try to get some guidance.

With this advice, you can be sure you've got the right college essay length on lockdown!

Hey, writing about yourself can even be fun!

What's Next?

Need to ask a teacher or friend for help with your essay? See our do's and dont's to getting college essay advice .

If you're lacking in essay inspiration, see our guide to brainstorming college essay ideas . And here's our guide to starting out your essay perfectly!

Looking for college essay examples? See 11 places to find college essay examples and 145 essay examples with analysis !

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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150 Word Essay Examples

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Writing a 150-word essay is not as easy as it may seem. While the text may be small, it requires a great deal of skill to present a logical argument or convey all your ideas within such a limited space. However, this type of assignment is quite common in academics and can take various forms, such as an abstract, annotated bibliography entry, discussion board post, or short book report.

When writing a 150-word essay, it is essential to focus on the main idea and avoid unnecessary details. Start by outlining your thoughts and organizing them into a coherent structure. Use concise language and avoid repetition to make the most of the limited word count. Additionally, ensure that your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

In conclusion, writing a 150-word essay requires careful planning and execution. By following the tips outlined above, you can create a well-structured and compelling essay that effectively conveys your ideas within the limited word count.

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How to Write a Stellar “Why This College?” Essay + Examples

What’s covered:, sample “why this college” prompts, faqs about the “why this college” essay.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Good “Why This College?” Essay Examples

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One of the most common college essay supplements will ask you to answer the question: “Why This College?” These essays are looking to see whether you’re a good fit for the campus community, and whether the college is a good fit for you and your goals. 

In this post, we’ll show you a couple examples of these prompts, go over good and bad sample responses, and break down how to ensure yours is one of the good ones. 

Let’s start by taking a look at real prompts that fit under the “Why This College?” archetype: 

Tufts: Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (150 words)

Northwestern: Other parts of your application give us a sense for how you might contribute to Northwestern. But we also want to consider how Northwestern will contribute to your interests and goals. Help us understand what aspects of Northwestern appeal most to you, and how you’ll make use of specific resources and opportunities here. (300 words)

As you can see, these prompts are basically asking why you want to attend the school in question. Northwestern spells it out even further, and specifically asks how you’ll use their resources to achieve your goals.

Both prompts have word counts that are much shorter than that of the Common App, which is typical of supplemental essays. These two word counts are pretty representative, and you can expect the “Why This College?” essay length to be 100-400 words on average. That’s not a lot of space for a pretty important question, so it’s especially vital to use the word count wisely.

What are colleges looking for in the “Why Us” essay?

Colleges want to admit students who will not only enroll (to protect their yield), but also thrive on their campus. They ask this question to see whether you’re truly interested in the school and whether it’s the right place for you. You can write a strong response by citing specific ways the college can support your goals, as well as demonstrating your enthusiasm.

Which colleges have a “Why This College?” essay?

This is one of the most popular supplements among colleges. Here is a selection of top schools that ask this question:

• Northwestern
• Boston University
• University of Michigan

Check out our essay guides for these schools for more in-depth advice on how to write these essays.

What kind of writing style should I use?

This is a straightforward question that generally has a short word count, so you don’t need to use a narrative form at all. You can simply explain what you like about the school and why, but try to use varied sentence structure and organize the essay around your major goals. 

You can start your essay with a story if you want, however. For example, if you visited campus and experienced a really interesting course, or sat in on a meeting of a club you liked, this can make for a strong anecdote to begin your essay. Just make sure that whatever story you tell has some substance, and isn’t just a narration of how nice it was to walk around campus.

Can I copy and paste my essay for other schools?

Absolutely not. If your essay is general enough to apply to other schools, you know you need to rewrite it. The resources you mention should be highly specific to the college you’re writing about.

Common Mistakes When Writing the “Why This College?” Essay

The most common mistake students make is listing generic characteristics that could apply to any school. This negatively impacts your application, since it sends the message that you didn’t do your research, and aren’t truly interested in the school.

Here’s an example of something NOT to list in your “Why this college essay.” We’ll take the example of Tufts since we shared the prompt in the beginning.

What NOT to write: I’m applying to Tufts because of its low student to faculty ratio, the strong math department, and its prime location in Medford, just a hop away from Boston. When I visited campus, the school already felt like home.

This example is bad because many schools have low student to faculty ratios and strong math departments. There are also a ton of schools in or near Boston, many of which have low student to faculty ratios and great math departments too, such as Boston College, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, etc. If your statements can apply to other schools, that’s definitely not a good sign (avoid things like location, weather, size, and ranking).

The student also uses an emotional appeal with the line “it felt like home,” which might sound nice, but it has no substance and can be written for any school. You should definitely avoid making any statements like these.

This example shows that the student really hasn’t thought much about their fit with Tufts, and that it probably isn’t their top choice. This will impact your application negatively, especially since Tufts is known for taking applicants’ demonstrated interest more seriously than other schools . So, if you show that you show little interest through your essay, you may end up waitlisted or rejected, even if your stats are excellent.

Another thing that this example gets wrong is that it doesn’t describe the student’s goals or interests at all. It’s important to not only talk about why you picked the school, but also how exactly those aspects will help you grow. Remember, this kind of prompt is two-fold: in addition to explaining why the school is a good fit for you, you want to show why you, out of the many thousands of applicants they get each year, are a good fit for them.

To summarize, the main mistakes to avoid are:

• Citing generic aspects of the school (location, weather, size, and ranking)
• Using empty emotional appeals
• Not describing your goals and interests

Now that we know what a bad example might look like, here’s an example of a rewrite to part of the Tufts essay:

What TO write: As a potential Applied Mathematics major, I hope to gain the tools to model political behavior. I’m especially interested in elections, and am looking forward to taking the course “Mathematics of Social Choice,” as the centerpiece of Social Choice Theory is voting. I would also love to take “Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos,” because it will teach me to use differential equations to predict chaotic behavior. 

This is a good example, as the courses listed are highly-specific to Tufts, as well as the student’s professional goals. We not only learned something about Tufts, but also the student. Keep in mind that this wouldn’t be a complete essay⁠—it’s just an example of good, specific resources to list, and how to connect them to your own interests. 

If you want an example of a complete essay, here’s this real student response for Boston University’s “Why This College?” prompt.

Prompt: In no more than 250 words, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what

specifically has led you to apply for admission.

Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) attracts me because of its support of interdisciplinary study among its wide array of majors. In fact, the CAS now offers a course that combines biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. As I hope to conduct medical research into brain disorders, I plan to pursue all three areas of study. These cross-disciplinary connections at BU will prepare me to do so.

CAS’s undergraduate research program would allow me to work with a mentor, such as Dr. Alice Cronin-Golomb or Dr. Robert M.G. Reinhart related to their research on neurological disorders. With them, I can advance the work I have already completed related to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). In a summer class at our local university, my partner and I extracted data from fMRI and PET studies and inputted them into a coding program. We then created an indicator map, which we imported into another software program, AFNI, to display significant activity in the brain regions affected by DID. Seeing the representation of our data thrilled me because I knew it could eventually help people who live with DID. I want to experience that feeling again. Successfully analyzing these fMRI and PET studies and learning to code drives me to pursue more research opportunities, and this desire motivates me to study at a university that offers research opportunities to undergraduates. BU’s interdisciplinary approach to psychology and support for independent undergraduate undergraduate research will optimally prepare me for a career as a neurological researcher.

This student clearly outlines BU-specific resources (the interdisciplinary course and undergrad research program), plus how these resources align with their professional goals (to become a neurological researcher). They do “name-drop” professors, but since their work clearly relates to the student’s interests, it doesn’t look disingenuous, and shows that the student has done research on their fit with BU. The student also provides background on why they want to pursue research, and shows that they already have experience, which makes their interest in the undergrad research program more concrete.

The only thing missing from this essay is the student’s fit with BU in terms of extracurriculars and social life. “Why This College?” essays should also cover extracurriculars, as the residential college experience is about more than just class and homework. Admissions officers are also interested in how you’ll contribute to their broader campus community.

In general, these essays should be academic-leaning (especially if they’re under 250 words), but you should still address some social aspects of the college that appeal to you (we recommend about 70% academics, 30% social, with more or less focus on social aspects depending on the word count). Since the student probably already detailed their previous research in their Common App activities section, they could’ve just summarized their research background in one sentence, and used the space saved to talk about a specific social aspect of BU that interests them.

Here’s another sample essay, but for UPenn. This essay’s word count was much longer, so the student was able to really hone in on several specific aspects of UPenn.

Prompt: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying (650 words).

Sister Simone Roach, a theorist of nursing ethics, said, “caring is the human mode of being.” I have long been inspired by Sister Roach’s Five C’s of Caring: commitment, conscience, competence, compassion, and confidence. Penn both embraces and fosters these values through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum and unmatched access to service and volunteer opportunities.

COMMITMENT. Reading through the activities that Penn Quakers devote their time to (in addition to academics!) felt like drinking from a firehose in the best possible way. As a prospective nursing student with interests outside of my major, I value this level of flexibility. I plan to leverage Penn’s liberal arts curriculum to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges LGBT people face, especially regarding healthcare access. Through courses like “Interactional Processes with LGBT Individuals” and volunteering at the Mazzoni Center for outreach, I hope to learn how to better support the Penn LGBT community as well as my family and friends, including my cousin, who came out as trans last year.

CONSCIENCE. As one of the first people in my family to attend a four-year university, I wanted a school that promoted a sense of moral responsibility among its students. At Penn, professors challenge their students to question and recreate their own set of morals by sparking thought- provoking, open-minded discussions. I can imagine myself advocating for universal healthcare in courses such as “Health Care Reform & Future of American Health System” and debating its merits with my peers. Studying in an environment where students confidently voice their opinions – conservative or liberal – will push me to question and strengthen my value system.

COMPETENCE. Two aspects that drew my attention to Penn’s BSN program were its high-quality research opportunities and hands-on nursing projects. Through its Office of Nursing Research, Penn connects students to faculty members who share similar research interests. As I volunteered at a nursing home in high school, I hope to work with Dr. Carthon to improve the quality of care for senior citizens. Seniors, especially minorities, face serious barriers to healthcare that I want to resolve. Additionally, Penn’s unique use of simulations to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application impressed me. Using computerized manikins that mimic human responses, classes in Penn’s nursing program allow students to apply their emergency medical skills in a mass casualty simulation and monitor their actions afterward through a video system. Participating in this activity will help me identify my strengths and areas for improvement regarding crisis management and medical care in a controlled yet realistic setting. Research opportunities and simulations will develop my skills even before I interact with patients.

COMPASSION. I value giving back through community service, and I have a particular interest in Penn’s Community Champions and Nursing Students For Sexual & Reproductive Health (NSRH). As a four-year volunteer health educator, I hope to continue this work as a Community Champions member. I am excited to collaborate with medical students to teach fourth and fifth graders in the city about cardiology or lead a chair dance class for the elders at the LIFE Center. Furthermore, as a feminist who firmly believes in women’s abortion rights, I’d like to join NSRH in order to advocate for women’s health on campus. At Penn, I can work with like-minded people to make a meaningful difference.

CONFIDENCE. All of the Quakers that I have met possess one defining trait: confidence. Each student summarized their experiences at Penn as challenging but fulfilling. Although I expect my coursework to push me, from my conversations with current Quakers I know it will help me to be far more effective in my career.

The Five C’s of Caring are important heuristics for nursing, but they also provide insight into how I want to approach my time in college. I am eager to engage with these principles both as a nurse and as a Penn Quaker, and I can’t wait to start.

This student takes a creative approach to the essay, by using the Five C’s of Caring as a framework. This technique works especially well since these qualities relate to the student’s future career in nursing. In addition to emphasizing the student’s creativity and passion for nursing, having the Five C’s in all caps at the start of each paragraph gives this long essay a clear, easy-to-read format.

What really makes the essay stand out is the depth of the student’s fit with UPenn, and how they’re able to also share more about who they are. The student lists specific courses, research opportunities, technology, and student groups. We also learn that they are a first-generation student, are passionate about increasing access to healthcare (particularly for LGBTQ+ people, minorities, and the elderly), care about health education, and are a feminist who staunchly defends abortion rights (this controversial topic could be risky, but since UPenn is a very liberal school, this should be fine).

Overall, this essay paints a vivid picture of how the student would engage academically at Penn, and we also see clearly how the student would pursue their intellectual passions outside the classroom. Since this essay prompt focused on “intellectual and academic interests,” there was no need to address other aspects of UPenn beyond those supporting their various interests in healthcare.

See more “ Why This College?” essay examples to understand what makes a strong response.

Brainstorming for the “Why This College?” Essay

Now that we’ve gone through a couple examples, you might be wondering how to get started yourself. 

Here are three steps we recommend to get your essay underway:

• Reflect on your academic and career goals
• Research unique opportunities related to your academic and extracurricular interests
• Pick your top academic reasons for applying, and your top extracurricular/social reasons

1. Reflect on your academic and career goals.

The driver behind this essay needs to be you , and not the school itself. Anyone can write nice things about the college, but only you can explain why you would be a good fit for it.

Ask yourself:

• What do you want to major in, if you know? If you’re undecided, what are the subjects you’re interested in?
• Which career do you want to pursue, or what are the potential options?
• What do you want to get out of college? Any particular skills or experiences?

Once you have a clear idea of your college plan, then you can dig into how the college can support your plan.

2. Research unique opportunities related to your academic, career, and extracurricular interests.

You might be wondering where you can find all these specific courses, clubs, and other resources. The school’s website is a good place to start, or if you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you can even use Google with the school name in your search, such as “Tufts orchestra.” 

Take a look at the website of your department/major and dig into the courses, fellowships, internships, and other resources. For course syllabi, you can visit the website of the professor who’s teaching the course; they’ll often post more detailed information than the online course catalog, including readings and concepts to be covered.

Clubs may have their own websites, but you can also try to find their Facebook groups or Instagram pages, which might be more current and even show events they’re hosting⁠.

If you can, try to speak with a current student. Your school counselor may be able to connect you with one, or you can also reach out to the admissions office to see if they can connect you. If not, speaking with an admissions officer is also great, or you can try to find day-in-the-life videos on YouTube.

3. Pick your top academic reasons for applying, and your top extracurricular/social reasons.

Once you’ve done your research and found specific opportunities to cite in your essay, pick your top 1-3 academic reasons and top 1-3 extracurricular ones, depending on the word count. Going back to the Tufts essay, the good example we gave actually was already 65 words, and it was only able to mention two courses. 

Keep in mind that you not only have to describe resources specific to the school, but also how they’ll contribute to your goals. This personal aspect is just as important as the actual opportunities, so be sure to allot space to describe why exactly these resources make the school a good fit for you.

When it comes to academic reasons, you are free to list anything from special programs to unique majors to specific courses and professors. We want to caution you against “name-dropping” professors, however⁠—unless their work actually fits with your established interests and professional goals. Otherwise, it might seem like you’re being disingenuous.

We also want to reiterate that you should be sure to not only talk about academics in your essay, but also extracurriculars (unless the prompt asks you to focus only on academics, or if the word count is unusually short, i.e. 150 words or fewer). Again, college isn’t just about what you do in the classroom. Admissions committees want to be sure that accepted students will also contribute to the college community. 

Outlining Your “Why This College?” Essay

Once you’ve identified your goals and the resources to support them, it’s time to start writing. An easy format/outline for your essay would be:

• Introduction to your main goals and the why behind them (great spot for an anecdote). 
• Your first goal and how the school can support it.
• Your second goal and how the school can support it.
• Conclusion where you look towards the future and reaffirm how the college can get you there.

You can adjust the length of the essay by adding or subtracting the number of goals you write about. As noted above, r emember to include extracurriculars when sharing how the college can support your goals. You should plan to spend about 70% of your space on academic reasons, and 30% on extracurricular reasons.

Some students choose to use a more unconventional format, like the Five C’s of Caring essay above, and that works too if you want to show off your creative writing skills. Some examples include a letter to the school or a schedule of your day as a student at the college. These unconventional formats can be harder to pull off though, so only go that route if you’re confident in your writing. The letter format can be especially tricky since it’s easy to sound cheesy and overenthusiastic.

Regardless of the format you choose, remember these two things that your essay should do. It should:

• Reveal more about your goals and interests.
• D escribe how the school can help you develop your interests and reach your goals, by naming highly-specific and unique campus resources, both academic and extracurricular.

If your essay checks both of those boxes, you’re well on your way to making your candidacy more compelling to admissions officers!

Where to Get Your “Why This College?” Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your “Why This College?” essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

10 Ways to Increase Your Essay Word Count (AI Included)

Table of contents

One of the biggest challenges students face is writing long-form essays of 2,000 words or more.

Someone brought this up at a recent webinar I attended, and I couldn't help but think back to my freshman year. Several years ago, I had to write a long essay on an interesting but unfamiliar subject. It took me a lot longer than it should.

After writing hundreds of articles, essays and reports, I've developed my own list of 'smart hacks' to help increase word count on any written piece. 

Let's dive into the word count expansion strategies I use today when I write various texts.

How NOT to increase word count

Adding fluff words.

Adding meaningless words only confuses the core arguments and distracts the evaluator. Whatever merit your actual content may have had will be obscured by a mountain of meaningless words.

The sentence in my essay read,

"Violent acts by adults are often caused by childhood exposure to violence.".  

If I try to forcedly add fluff words to expand the text, my sentence would sound stretched:

“Violent acts are often associated with the fact that adults who commit violent acts - acts that are seen as savage, harsh, rough, physically abusive, or otherwise unacceptable in society - have been exposed to similar harsh or extreme violence during their childhoods or when they were young”.

Voice and tone

Although passive voice makes a sentence longer, I have found that my writing is much sharper when I use active voice. Also, do not confuse the need to use a formal or academic tone with passive voice.

Quoting without context

This one is like digging yourself into a hole. I quoted so many out-of-context references that I found my essay running on all sorts of tangents. After spending hours trying to connect the dots between the tangents, I ended up having to rewrite the entire piece because I was unable to justify the distracting content. 

Mindless paraphrasing

You hear it from your professor, and spew it back at her. Mindlessly repeating content in different sections of an essay - as if your teacher wouldn't notice, won't really help you ace your courses.

Even more mistakes

After asking some of my classmates, I found out that some of them had resorted to even worse hacks that eventually got them in trouble:

• Using filler words - In order to fill more pages, some diverge from the specified format and increase fonts, margins, and spacing. You will lose credibility if you do this, and you will also lose points if you deviate from the writing style specified.
• Plagiarism - Plagiarizing large chunks from others' essays or research papers was not only seen as lazy, but it was a fast way from a not-so-great grade to a failed grade.
• Other sneaky tricks - These included whitening out gibberish text and increasing the size of periods. Teachers have seen it all and know every trick in the book.

The right way to increase word count

Eventually, my word count increased in a way that makes each word actually count (pardon the pun), and it turns out there are some pretty cool tricks to do that.

With the right tools and techniques, you spend less time on the heavy lifting, more time on the actual writing, and at the end of the day, you have a much more comprehensive essay that is a delight to read. =

1. Use an AI writing tool

Skip the manual paraphrasing and use a smart AI writing tool. For example, I added almost 50 words to a 125-word paragraph using Wordtune’s text expand feature .

How to add more sentences to a paragraph

One method to expand your word count is to find short paragraphs and adding more sentences that clarify what they mean. This task used to be pretty frustrating, but with the use of AI it's made simple. Start by going over the essay, and notice if there's a paragraph that stands out in terms of being lean and overly simplified. Paste that paragraph into the Wordtune editor, and click the 'Plus' icon.

You'll be able to expand the article in any number of ways, including adding an explanation, an analogy, a counterargument, or even a simple continuation of your idea. Then, simply scroll through the different suggestions that AI produces, and find the best one.

2. Take advantage of outlines

It may seem counter-intuitive, but completing your outline can help you meet your word count goal.

Say you need to turn a 200-word article into a 1,500-word essay. Make an outline of the article before trying to tackle this seemingly impossible task of writing the whole piece.This will give you a clearer picture of how your entire thesis works and how to logically support it.

As an example, suppose we're writing an essay on why kids shouldn't play phone games.

To begin, you need to summarize your message in a few sentences. For example:

‍ “Kids have susceptible brains, and games can change the whole chemistry of their brains in a bad way, causing them to go off on tantrums and screaming fits. Moreover, these games form addictive habits that will persist when the kids become older. By continuing to play phone games, the kids fail to develop emotionally, and may become unsocial introverted people. Moreover, there are signs that games make kids more violent and emotionally unstable. Since phones are always at reach, kids can continuously play throughout the day, not stopping even when eating lunch or when attending a school class.”

Before expanding it, write an outline to get a sense of its structure and flow. As a result, you can easily determine how much text is needed for each section, which ones require expanded text, and which ones can be kept brief.  This clarity not only helps me reduce anxiety, but also gives me a clear plan of action to finish this essay!

For example, for the paragraph on video games, my outline would look something like this:

Introduction (include statistics and research to argue that video games are harmful for kids) and state the thesis (250 words) Negative effects of video games on children: first build larger categories and then substantiate with smaller points, evidence and data within each point: - Effects on emotional development (200 words) - Effects on physical development (200 words) - Effects on social development (200 words) - Effects on intellectual development (200 words) Give counter-views Cite research that talks about potential positive effects of video games, if used the proper way and under supervision (250 words) Give solutions State why parents find it so hard to keep kids away from video games, especially mobile video games, and offer concrete solutions to set better boundaries with kids for video game usage (250 words) Conclusion Offer a strong conclusion that brings all of the essay together in a summary (250 words)

Note that I’ve planned to write a few hundred more words than the prescribed word limit, so I have scope to edit and tighten later on. 

3. Expand your text with intros and conclusions

I use this method all the time to get unstuck and write longer articles without worrying about word counts.

Let's say you finish expanding your outline, and the article is still short a few hundred words.

Two places you should consider expanding are the introduction and conclusion.

How does this work?

• In the introduction and conclusion, you can add free-flowing stories, ideas and paragraphs, without having to validate each sentence with technical reference, sources and quotes.
• You can use anecdotes, personal experiences, news articles, and research findings to introduce your topic, or to close it.
• You can also go into detail about why you were motivated to explore the topic in more depth and why it has helped you to develop your argument. We wrote about essay hooks in more detail here, so be sure to check it out.
• Remind readers why this entire argument matters at the human level in the conclusion. This is done by repeating the topic, the core of your argument, and why you have justified your thesis. 

Add these elements to your introduction and conclusion, and you will quickly reach your essay quota.

Here's an example from the Wordtune blog of an anecdote placed as part of the intro:

4. Use examples to illustrate your point

It is always helpful to provide examples to illustrate complex academic or technical points. As well as adding color and descriptiveness to your own words, examples help your arguments come to life in a way that academic writing cannot. Having read several essays about the same topic, your evaluator will probably find it enjoyable to read something more creative and genuine. 

Examples also help readers visualize your narrative. The situations can be real or imagined, but they must be authentic, relatable, and most importantly, relevant to your topic. Providing examples from your real-life experience will demonstrate to the teacher that you understand your topic.

I started this article by describing my experience as a freshman. The challenges I faced as a student are similar to those you are currently facing, so sharing my journey will help you learn from my mistakes.

5. Invest in serious research 

Research is the most effective way to increase a paper's word count. 

The more research you conduct, the more ideas, perspectives, and information you have to base your arguments on. 

Research takes time and effort, which you may or may not have. 

Here's where my smart tools come into play.

No matter how long a paper is, Wordtune Read will give you all the key highlights.

The following is a composite screenshot of how Wordtune Read summarized the effects of video games on children from a long and complex article. The key highlights on the right help you distill the core messages of the research in minutes, condensing hours of reading into minutes.

In just a few steps, you can add at least two supporting arguments or stats for each point you have in your outline. And just like that, you have several hundred very relevant words, added almost effortlessly to your essay.

6. Ask 'Why' questions

At this stage, the research has already provided you with some solid perspectives, but there's nothing like adding some original perspectives to the existing body of research. Asking ‘why’ questions is an effective way to do this. In addition to strengthening your arguments, it will also enhance your essay with relevant and original content.

Think back to the example of the negative effects of video games on children. Let's say one of the arguments you have is "phone games cause emotional issues". Use a series of 'why' questions to dig deeper into the text. 

Ask questions like: "why is that true?", "Why is it important?", etc. For each answer, ask another why question and develop some original angles based on the insights that may emerge. 

While it beats manual paraphrasing in terms of speed, I felt it also improved the overall quality of the writing.

7. Address the counter view

It's a foolproof way to score brownie points with tutors and also add some value - and word count - to your essay. 

Counter views or counterpoints are positions diametrically opposed to your own.

I argue, for example, that video games negatively affect children in the essay about video games. There is always some literature available (and there is always some literature available) on the counter-side of why and under what circumstances video games can actually have a positive impact on children. I am able to write a pretty solid section on that topic. 

By balancing the pros and cons of both arguments, I will also be able to bridge the two points of view.

Just like that, you've added about 200 words to your essay!

8. Use quotes and references

While the bibliography section doesn’t usually count towards the overall essay word count, there are some easy tricks you can use to maximize the references. Once you are done with the essay, run through your list of citations and find interesting quotes that you may have missed, which you can now incorporate.

9. Get feedback from a friend

If you're like me, working on the same essay for a long time with complete immersion means you develop blind spots to obvious misses and flaws in your text. This could be especially problematic for non-native English speakers .

Ask a trusted friend or peer to look over your essay again. Share your essay on Gdoc with your friends and find out if they spot something that seems missing, out of place, or that stands out like a sore thumb.

Also, ask them to question your assumptions in the essay - this may give you new angles and perspectives to explore, thus expanding the word count even further.

Your friends will help you find the problematic paragraphs in your writing and make them more concise and effective .

10. Add text while editing

Once you have finished writing your essay, you can use the review stage to edit and add text to your essay.

This is another great opportunity to use your AI writing tool, and get suggestions for ways to make your sentences more fluent . You can also replace superfluous words with stronger vocabulary, and pick alternative ways to word sentences that contain repetitive words.

Try and spot long, convoluted sentences and break them up to smaller sentences.

Keep it long and interesting

Essays that meet the prescribed criteria, including word count, indicate to your teachers that you not only possess subject matter knowledge, but also writing, grammar, logic, research, and communication skills.

You can find interesting angles even in the most mundane sounding topics if you challenge yourself to do the work and not worry too much about the word count. With the 11 smart hacks - including use of the smart writing tools - essay writing and meeting the specified word count becomes much easier! 

Learning how to expand a text in an interesting way - and not just by adding fluff - makes you a better writer regardless of the format - essays, reports, statements of purpose - even books! 

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How to plan a winning essay

(Last updated: 7 May 2021)

Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

However you look at it, getting started on an essay can be a challenge. There are likely to be a whole bunch of ideas swirling around in your head. Knowing how to assemble these into some sort of sense, then write them down in the form of a good academic essay, doesn’t always come easy!

One way to make essay writing much easier is by planning ahead. Planning is crucial in order for success: failing to plan is planning to fail! Do not leave your work until the last minute, instead, use this post as an essay planning guide that can lead you on the path to success.

There are two stages to essay planning. First, you need to map out what your essay will include. By outlining the contents of your essay before you write it, you’ll ensure you don’t miss any crucial detail, and that you give fair weight to each of the points of your argument.

After mapping out your essay, you can then make a schedule for yourself, deciding when you will work on each section to ensure you get in done in good time. Breaking your work down into manageable chunks like this will mean you can make a little bit of progress each day, instead of cramming at the last minute.

So, if you’re here because you’re thinking, “how do I plan an essay?” or, “what does an essay plan look like?” – you’re in the right place! We’ll answer these exact questions for you in this article.

Essay planning step 1: Creating a structure

It may be very tempting to just sit down and write, especially if you are on a tight deadline to finish an essay . But it’s crucial that before writing, you create – as a bear minimum! – a structure that details what your essay will cover.

Hopefully, you already have an idea or argument that you might like to pursue. Next, you need to decide how many body paragraphs you need to make that argument (and to meet the word limit criteria).

When planning your essay’s structure, you want to make sure that every paragraph has a focus (we call this the topic sentence). A paragraph is usually somewhere between 6-10 sentences in length, meaning that it is likely to be around 200-250 words (or at least this is a good place to start).

So how do you decide how many body paragraphs your essay will contain? Your first step is to divide up your paper. Let’s say you have to write 1500 words. You would have 150 words for your introduction and 150 words for your conclusion. This leaves you with 1200 words, which would mean you would need between 5-6 body paragraphs in the middle.

Your next job is to come up with 5-6 ideas, one for each paragraph (we explain this in more detail in the next part of this post).

"Writing 6 paragraphs of 200 words seems far more achievable than a solid block of 1500 words – and you can have a mini celebration after you finish each one."

Not only does segmenting the essay like this help you achieve your word count – it also makes it much easier to handle. The thought of writing 1500 words might seem a bit daunting at first. But, break it down into sections, and suddenly you only have to write 200-250 words for each. That seems much less intimidating! As you move from section to section, you will quickly see your essay start to emerge.

Essay planning step 2: Brainstorming or freewriting

Once you know how many ideas you need, the next step is writing down what you know (and what you still have to find out).

There are many ways that this can be achieved. You can either create a mind map, or just write out all your ideas on a piece of paper. As you do this, also keep in mind any questions you have, and the things you need to look up.

If you cannot come up with 5-6 ideas, start reviewing your lecture notes, lecture slides, and do some reading to see if you can identify the main ideas. At this point, your paper might look really messy (and that is OK!). This messiness will help you as you begin to construct your outline.

Essay planning step 3: Constructing a detailed outline

Once you have done your brainstorming, it is time to take the messiness and put it into a neater format. While you might have done the brainstorm on a piece of scrap paper, you should start to write your outline on the computer, because what starts as an outline will gradually evolve into your actual essay.

"With every change you make, just make sure that you are keeping the question prompt in mind. If you write an excellent essay, but it has nothing to do with the assigned topic provided by the instructor, you are unlikely to do well."

The outline is a living document, which means that as you start to work on it, you may need to make changes (and that is OK!). With every change you make, just make sure that you are keeping the question prompt in mind. If you write an excellent essay, but it has nothing to do with the assigned topic provided by the instructor, you are unlikely to do well.

Here’s how we suggest you write the detailed outline for your essay:

1. Write your introduction (or thesis statement)

When you begin to think about your essay, you are probably going to need some type of overarching argument or position. This is commonly known as a thesis statement. While you do not have to have an exact thesis in your essay plan, having an idea about where you want to start is always useful.

A good thesis statement contains an argument or position and is followed by a strategy (like a road map) that explains how this will be achieved. Remember, even though it is called a thesis statement, it might be more than one sentence (and can be 2 or 3).

2. Write topic sentences for every paragraph

Every paragraph that you write has to relate to your thesis statement (and your thesis statement is answering the question provided by the instructor). A topic sentence is the first sentence in your body paragraph. It provides an overview of what is going to happen in the paragraph. You might want to think of your topic sentence as a mini-thesis, presenting the argument for one particular paragraph.

3. Include evidence

Once you have established a clear topic sentence, you have to figure out what evidence you are going to provide in the middle of each paragraph to make sure that you are getting your point across clearly. This is where you might start to use your readings (your textbook, library resources, and Google) to help you figure out what to include. At the outlining stage, you might just want to list the possible sources that you are going to use, or you can write a few notes about what each paragraph might contain.

4. Conclusion

At this stage, you don’t have to plan what the conclusion will say or include, since you haven’t yet written your essay and come to your concluding argument. But just make a note that this section will present your key takeaway for the reader and highlight how you have answered the essay question.

An essay plan example

An essay plan is usually linear. Let’s look at the example below to see how an essay plan might come together. In this case, we are writing a 1500-word essay, and we are attempting to answer the question: What role can citizen diplomacy play in mitigating difficult interstate relations?

Introduction (150 words) Thesis statement This essay argues that while citizen diplomacy through dialogue should be pursued, the Peace Research Institute in the Middle East (PRIME) has faced numerous challenges that have limited its overall impact in mitigating difficult interstate relations.

Section 1: Theory (400) Body paragraph 1 While many steps have been taken by governments to resolve the Israeli – Palestinian conflict, there has been a lack of sustainability between these two countries over time.

Body paragraph 2 While the Israel – Palestine conflict has extended for decades, the role that citizen diplomacy can play in large scale negotiations is minimal (Kaye, 2001).

Section 2: Example and Application (800) Body paragraph 3 The Peace Research Institute in the Middle East (PRIME) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that was created in Frankfurt in 1998 by Palestinian and Israeli academics seeking to build peace through joint research projects and outreach initiatives (Yaniv, 2013). Body paragraph 4 Because the academics in PRIME are focused on strengthening the civil societies in both Israel and Palestine, they have published extensive literature since inception. Body paragraph 5 When applying concepts of citizen diplomacy to PRIME, it is important to assess the impact of the intervention being employed. Body paragraph 6 The creation of the Shared History Project was completed and introduced in schools in the early 2000s.

Conclusion (150 words) Present my key takeaway message for the reader and highlight how I have answered the instructor’s question.

Sources I might use Course reading: Kaye, D.D., 2001. Track two diplomacy and regional security in the Middle East. International Negotiation, 6(1), pp.49-77. Additional reading: Yaniv, L., 2013. People-to-People Peace Making: The Role of Citizen Diplomacy in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. CPD Best Student Paper Prize in Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy. NB: a 1500-word research essay might have between 6-12 total sources in the reference list when it is completed.

Final thoughts

Once you have written an essay plan, you can begin to actually write out each of your body paragraphs into the corresponding sections. As you write, it might be simplest to start with the paragraphs that you think are going to be the easiest and move to the more difficult ones later.

Leave the introduction and the conclusion until the very end. By leaving these parts until last, you can make sure that the thesis that you wrote for your essay plan is still applicable for your essay. You can also make sure that your introduction and conclusion are providing the same messaging creating coherency and flow throughout.

Remember, there are lots of people who are willing to help you with your essay, so take advantage of the help of your university writing center or the academics at Oxbridge Essays. While writing an essay can be a challenging task, creating an essay plan is certainly one way to make the process easier!

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Daily Writing Tips

How to write an essay for a scholarship: a step-by-step guide.

Crafting an essay for a scholarship is your chance to show why you’re a worthy investment. It’s not just another essay; it’s a personal narrative that embodies your aspirations and showcases your potential.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll lead you through each part of the scholarship essay process: understanding the prompt, outlining your thoughts, engaging introductions, strong body paragraphs, impactful conclusions, and essential revisions. Plus, we’ll touch on those final checks before you hit submit.

Ready to turn your educational dreams into a compelling story? Let’s begin the journey of writing an essay that might just change the course of your future.

What Is a Scholarship Essay and Why Is It Important?

A scholarship essay is a written piece you submit as part of your college or university scholarship application. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate to the scholarship committee why you are the best candidate for the award.

The scholarship essay is important because it allows the committee to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. It lets you share your personal story, accomplishments, and future plans.

What Are Scholarship Essay Prompts Asking For?

Scholarship essay prompts typically ask you to discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, or any challenges you’ve overcome. The prompt will guide you in showcasing your unique qualifications. For example, a prompt might ask you to describe a time when you demonstrated leadership or to explain how a particular experience has shaped your academic and career goals.

How Can You Plan Your Scholarship Essay Effectively?

Effective planning is the key to writing a strong scholarship essay. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Read the prompt carefully: Start by thoroughly reviewing to understand the requirements and instructions of the essay prompt. Make sure you know exactly what the prompt is asking you to do.

2. Brainstorm experiences and accomplishments: Reflect on your academic, extracurricular, and personal experiences that might help explain the prompt. Think about your achievements, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you’ve made a difference in your community.

3. Develop a thesis or central theme: Based on your brainstorming, determine a thesis or central theme that will help focus your essay. This statement should explain the main point you want the scholarship committee to understand.

4. Create an outline: Organize your essay by making an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you write a structured and coherent essay.

5. Do additional research: Depending on the prompt, you may need to research relevant information to support your essay. For example, if the prompt asks you to discuss a social issue, you may need to research facts and statistics to support your points.

6. Allow time for writing and revising: Don’t wait until the last minute to write your essay. Give yourself enough time to write a draft, get feedback, and make revisions . Rushing through the process can result in a weaker essay.

How Do You Create a Compelling Introduction for Your Scholarship Essay?

The introduction is the first thing the scholarship committee will read, so making a strong impression is important. Here are the steps to create a compelling introduction:

1. Hook the reader: Start your introduction with a captivating hook , such as a quote, anecdote, or intriguing statement. This will immediately engage the reader and make them want to continue reading.

2. Provide context: Offer relevant background information to give the reader context about who you are and your experiences. This could include details about your academic background, extracurricular activities, or personal interests.

3. State your central thesis : Clearly articulate your essay’s main point or argument, aligning it with the scholarship prompt. This thesis statement should be a concise and clear statement of the key idea you will explore in your essay.

4. Outline your approach: Give the reader a sense of how you will develop your essay’s central theme throughout the body paragraphs. This can be a brief overview of the main points you will cover.

5. Express your passion: Convey your enthusiasm, motivation, and personal investment in the topic and your pursuit of the scholarship. This will help the committee understand why this scholarship is important to you.

6. Keep it concise: Aim for 3-5 engaging sentences that introduce your essay in a manner that is easy to understand and compelling. The introduction should be long enough to capture the reader’s attention but not so long that it becomes overwhelming.

What Makes a Strong Body for Your Scholarship Essay?

The body of your scholarship essay is where you will expand on your central theme and provide evidence to support your points. Provide specific examples and evidence from your experiences to support your arguments. This could include details about your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, community service, or personal challenges you’ve overcome.

Use the body paragraphs to showcase your unique qualities and how they make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. This could include your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, or dedication to your studies. Keep your essay logically organized and focused on the main point you want to make, with each paragraph building on the previous one and contributing to the overall argument you’re making.

Vary your sentence structure to keep your writing engaging and easy to read. Alternate between shorter and longer sentences, and help guide the reader through your essay. Back up your claims and arguments with relevant facts, statistics, or expert opinions to strengthen the credibility of your essay.

How Should You Conclude Your Scholarship Essay?

The conclusion of your scholarship essay is your final opportunity to make an impression on the committee. In the conclusion, restate your thesis or central theme in a clear and understandable way. This will remind the reader of the main point you’ve been focused on throughout your essay.

Briefly summarize the key points and arguments you made in the body of your essay. This will help reinforce your main ideas and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Explain why the scholarship is important to you and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Demonstrate your passion and commitment to making the most of the scholarship opportunity.

Conclude your essay with a strong, memorable statement that leaves the reader with a positive impression of you as a candidate. This could be a call to action, an inspirational quote, or a final reflection on the significance of the scholarship.

How Can You Revise Your Scholarship Essay for Maximum Impact?

After you’ve written your first draft, it’s important to revise and edit your essay so it’s as strong as it can be. Carefully read through your essay to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Even small mistakes can ruin the overall quality of your essay.

Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, mentor, or family member, to review your essay and provide feedback. They may be able to locate areas for improvement or offer a fresh perspective. Ask them to review your essay’s organization to ensure your introduction, body, and conclusion flow logically. Don’t be afraid to rearrange or add/remove paragraphs to strengthen the overall structure.

Examine your essay’s central arguments and claims. Are they supported with sufficient evidence and examples? Look for ways to develop your points further. Review your writing style and make adjustments to improve clarity, concision, and engagement. This could involve varying sentence structure, eliminating unnecessary words, or using more vivid and descriptive language.

Double-check that your essay fully addresses the scholarship prompt and showcases your qualifications in a way that aligns with the committee’s expectations. Don’t be afraid to make multiple rounds of revisions. The more you refine your essay, the stronger it will be.

What Are the Final Steps Before Submitting Your Scholarship Essay?

Once you’ve completed your revisions, there are a few final steps to take before submitting your scholarship essay. Take advantage of sources that provide essay and paper help to add to and ensure the quality you have written is up to the scholarship committee’s standards. Also, always be sure to review everything 

1. Follow instructions: Carefully review the scholarship guidelines and instructions to ensure you’ve followed all the requirements, including formatting, length, and submission procedures.

2. Double-check formatting: Ensure your essay is properly formatted according to the scholarship guidelines, including margins, font size, and spacing.

3. Proofread again : Do one final proofread to catch any lingering errors or typos. It’s easy to miss mistakes when you’ve been working on the essay for a long time.

4. Submit before the deadline: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your essay. Allow plenty of time to complete the application process and submit your materials before the deadline. 5. Make copies: Keep a copy of your final essay for your records. This can be helpful if you need to refer back to it or make adjustments for future scholarship applications.

Here are some dos and don’ts for effective scholarship essay writing

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and analyze the scholarship prompt to ensure your essay directly addresses the requested topic or criteria.
• Showcase Your Unique Qualities: Use the essay as an opportunity to highlight your distinctive experiences, skills, goals, and passions that make you a standout candidate.
• Organize Your Essay Logically: Craft a clear and well-structured essay with an engaging introduction, cohesive body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.
• Support Your Claims: Back up your key points and arguments with specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence from your experiences.
• Maintain a Positive and Enthusiastic Tone**: Convey your enthusiasm for the scholarship and your commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
• Proofread and Edit Carefully: Review your essay multiple times to catch any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
• Follow All Formatting Requirements: Adhere to the prescribed page limits, font sizes, and other formatting guidelines specified by the scholarship provider.

Don’ts

• Don’t Repeat the Prompt: Avoid simply restating the prompt in your essay. Instead, use your unique voice and perspective.
• Don’t Make Broad, Unsupported Statements: Avoid making claims or generalizations without providing concrete evidence or examples to support them.
• Don’t Use Clichés or Overly Formal Language: Steer clear of overused phrases and maintain a natural, conversational tone throughout your essay.
• Don’t Exaggerate or Embellish: Be honest and authentic in your writing . Avoid making claims that you cannot substantiate.
• Don’t Neglect the Conclusion: Don’t treat the conclusion as an afterthought. Use it to leave a lasting, positive impression on the reader.
• Don’t Miss Deadlines or Requirements: Ensure you submit your essay by the specified deadline and adhere to all other requirements outlined by the scholarship provider.
• Don’t Plagiarize: Ensure that your essay is entirely your own work and that you properly cite any external sources you use.

Following these dos and don’ts can help you craft a compelling scholarship essay that stands out from the competition.

Writing a good scholarship essay is important to get the funding you need for your education and career goals. By following the steps in this guide – understanding the prompt, brainstorming your experiences, writing a strong introduction and body, and leaving a lasting conclusion – you can create an essay that makes you stand out as an excellent candidate.

The essay is not just about listing your accomplishments – it’s about showing who you are as a person and why you are the ideal recipient. Infuse it with enthusiasm, personal stories, and a vision for your future. This will help you craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

As you prepare to submit your scholarship essay, be proud of your work and confident that you’ve presented your best self.

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How to Write a 1500 Word Essay: Structure, Length, & Examples

A 1500-word essay may seem very long, and you may fear messing up with its structure and word limit. In this article, we’ll give you a writing guide to help you navigate each step of 1500-word essays and avoid significant mistakes. Additionally, you might get more familiar with our free samples, gain inspiration for writing on your own, and understand the essay structure better.

Let’s discover how to write a 1500-word essay efficiently!

• 📜 What Do 1500 Words Look Like?

🤓 How to Write a 1500-Word Essay

• 📝 Writing Prompts

🎇 1500 Words Essay Tips

• 🖨️ Academic Essay Examples
• ❓ 1500 Word Essay FAQ

🔗 References

📜 what does 1500 words look like.

A 1500-word essay is extensive, so it’s essential to know how to outline, research the content, and organize it correctly. Here, we discuss the format, essay plan, and different essay genres.

1500 Word Essay Types

It is essential to understand what type of essay is for which purposes. As a rule, instructors assign a particular genre beforehand and give some basic requirements. However, we recommend knowing the fundamentals of different essay types:

• Descriptive essay . This essay type provides details of a place, person, event, or phenomenon. It’s often written in a more creative style compared to other academic papers. Students may experiment with figurative language and imagery to make their descriptions vivid and believable.
• Analytical essays go far beyond descriptive writing, as they require the identification of trends, relationships, differences, and similarities in data. Analytical writing takes a critical stance on the data and links theory to practice. Its primary purposes are identifying the relevance of specific theories to real-world cases and examining the available evidence on the point.
• Persuasive essays have all the features of analytical ones, with the addition of an author’s opinion or recommendations on the subjects. Moreover, such pieces usually contain emotional arguments and touch upon subjective topics.
• Definition essays typically examine complex topics and provide in-depth analysis and explanations to understand the concept better.
• Argumentative essays try to convince the audience to adopt the writer’s opinion and views on a particular subject with the help of sound arguments and external evidence.
• Cause and effect essays interpret the connections between specific events and explain their consequences. They establish causal relationships and illustrate how events are interconnected.

1500 Word Essay Structure

The structure is one of the most crucial aspects of any academic research paper, so give it your entire focus and time. Academic essays are often divided into three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. You should follow the same format when drafting a 1500-word essay.  

1500 Word Essay – How to Format

Students usually use APA or MLA style when writing academic papers. There are several formatting similarities across these styles:

• Running heads. MLA and APA employ running heads with page numbers at the top.
• Page margins. Both formats use 8 ½ by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins on all sides (except the running head).
• Fonts . Both recommend using plain fonts like Times New Roman and Arial in sizes between 10 and 12.

The key differences between MLA and APA :

• Title page requirements. APA has a separate title page with your institution, course number, instructor name, and the assignment’s due date. In MLA, this information is given on the first page’s header on the left, before the main text begins.
• In-text citations. In both APA and MLA, in-text citations are parenthetical, but APA requires the author-date format of author data (e.g., Johnson, 2009), and MLA uses author-page citation format (e.g., Johnson 234).

You can’t compose a 1500-word essay if you don’t understand the essay writing algorithm. We have outlined simple steps to guide you in creating excellent work.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Before selecting a topic for your essay, you must carefully consider all instructions. You ought to understand the assignment’s purpose, writing genre , length of the paper, and other requirements. Your topic should be something that fits all demands and, at the same time, excites you. Consider what issues pique your interest, perplex you, or inspire you. The more you care about a subject, the more you will examine it deeply and have something to say about it.

Step 2: Research and Formulate Your Opinion

If you’ve been given a reference list to use in the paper, systematize your approach to each item. Before you begin, find as many resources as possible to ensure you have them readily available and can refer back to compare various perspectives. Make a plan for how you will cover them, and give each source a particular amount of time. It’s best to start with broad overviews and then delve into narrowly focused works. After studying different viewpoints, you will find it simpler to form an opinion and write your 1500-word essay.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

Regardless of how complex the essay is, its main idea must be transformable in a short thesis statement. Narrow down the topic’s concept into one sentence and do the following:

• Highlight a contentious, debatable issue .
• Focus on a specific concept.
• Assert your opinion on the subject.
• Use precise language .
• Conclude with a claim based on presented evidence.

Here are thesis statement examples that may help you:

Thesis statement example : School uniforms should be banned because of their dehumanizing nature, which prevents students from expressing their individuality.

Thesis statement example : Volunteering military servants should be paid adequate salaries for participation in the regular army.

Step 4: Make an Outline

Although each essay varies, all academic papers follow a similar format. Every piece has an introduction, body paragraphs that support it, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the body paragraphs.

• Introduction . This is where you introduce the themes you’ll discuss in the text. You also need to establish the problem’s significance and present a thesis.
• The Body. Unless your professor has specified an exact number of body paragraphs for your essay, it is up to you to decide how many to include. A good rule is to devote one section to each argument supporting your thesis.
• Conclusion. This is the section of your essay where you summarize the points you made in the body paragraphs. If there are any concluding thoughts you want your reader to take away from the paper, include them here.

Step 5: Draft an Essay

Start writing your essay once you’ve outlined it. Refer consistently to each section of the outline to avoid getting off-topic. Ensure all evidence is relevantly positioned in corresponding places and well interpreted in line with your thesis. At this point, you can write different versions of each section, review them later, and compose the best one.

Step 6: Edit and Proofread

Allow yourself some time to unwind after writing a draft. Later, look over the paper with fresh eyes, update the structure if needed, and carefully go through it in search of grammatical or spelling errors. Don’t forget to double-check for smooth transitions between paragraphs. To ensure your content is authentic, check for plagiarism and AI content.

📝 1500 Word College Essay: Writing Prompts

All essays require different research and composition efforts, so the writing process is always assignment-specific. Here we share links to 1500-word research paper example projects on various topics that you can use for inspiration and research.

1500 Words Article on Global Warming

Essays on global warming may be dedicated to many problems faced by humanity. Some may be based on the history of climatic changes, while others follow the impact of human activities on global warming. You can find excellent 1500-word essay samples on our site regardless of how many pages or words you have been assigned.

💠 Climate Change: The Leading Cause of Global Warming

1500 Words Essay on Nursing

Nursing is an area of research and studies that requires mastering basic medical manipulations, health and safety principles in the workplace, and many other aspects of knowledge. Nursing students often get assigned 1500-word essays on following directions for particular medical procedures. You can get free nursing essay examples in our database.

💠 Betty Smith Williams Reinventing the Theory and Practice of Nursing

1500 Words Essay on Globalization

Globalization is the growing interconnectedness between states and nations, achieved mainly due to transportation and digital communications advances. Thus, when writing a globalization essay, you can approach the subject from the viewpoint of the pros and cons of this phenomenon, its impact on cultural identity, the implications of language contact, and the role of the Internet in globalization dynamics. Check this 1500-word example of an essay on globalization:

💠 Globalization and Its Effects on World Economies

1500 Words Essay on Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is a sphere of Management that requires an in-depth understanding of logistics, production processes, and inventory management principles. Thus, when you compose an essay, 1500 words may be just right to discuss all the complexities of this managerial aspect. Start with this essay sample:

💠 The Practice of Supply Chain Management

1500 Words Essay on Discrimination

Discrimination can take different forms, as it happens worldwide, with groups of different ethnicities, genders, and other socio-demographic criteria. People may be discriminated against by age so you can write a 1500 words essay on child labor or ageism for this subject. At the heart of discrimination lies an assumption that one population group is better than others; thus, writing a 1500-word essay on respect is also a good idea. You could use this 1500 words on human rights as an online guide or download a pdf version:

💠 Religious Liberties in the Face of Employment Discrimination Reforms

1500 Words Essay on Marketing Plan

Marketing is a versatile academic area that touches upon digital and offline marketing, marketing communications, marketing strategy development, and others. Whether you are creating an essay on market research or social media marketing plan, you’ll find a ton of resources to explore in the StudyCorgi free essay database:

💠 Accor S.A.: Social Media Marketing Plan

If you have been assigned a 1500-word essay, here are a few things to consider:

🖨️ Academic Essay Example 1500 Words

• The influence of Memes on communication, humor, and social media. 
• The reasons behind the popularity of veganism and its effects on individuals and the environment. 
• The psychology of superheroes: motivations and attitudes of different characters. 
• What are the principles of minimalism, and how can they enhance our lives and relationships? 
• Virtual reality in education: assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of integrating VR technology into classrooms. 
• How art therapy benefits individuals with mental health conditions? 
• Implications of AI advancements on employment rates and the future of work. 
• How are storytelling techniques used in advertising and branding to engage consumers? 
• Mindfulness and stress reduction: the scientific evidence and benefits of mindfulness meditation. 
• How has technology transformed the way people meet and form relationships? 
• What are the moral implications and ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering? 
• What are the relationships between social media usage and mental well-being? 
• How is music used as a therapeutic tool in treating physical conditions? 
• What is the historical significance of tattoos across different cultures? 
• The Future of space exploration: the possibilities and challenges of future space missions. 
• Amazon’s Marketing Audit: Strengths and Weaknesses, Marketing Objective.
• Climate Change: The Leading Cause of Global Warming.
• Legitimacy of Multi-Level Marketing Methods.
• Knights in Literature: Sir Gawain, Canterbury Tales, & Beowulf Analysis.
• American Early Elective Delivery in Nursing.
• Megatrends in the Real Estate Market.
• Medical Analysis of Bipolar Disorder.
• Food and Drink Industry’s Innovation and Barriers.
• Modern Nation-State Concept and Characteristics.
• The Fundamental Role of Artificial Intelligence in the IT Industry.
• Energy: What Everyone Needs to Know?
• Suicide as a Major Mental Health Challenge.
• Structure and Functions of the USA Federal Government.
• Non-Verbal Communication and Customer Satisfaction.
• Pharma Controversy: Vaccines and Autism.
• Milk in the UK Market: Supply and Demand Analysis.
• Artificial Intelligence: Use and Potential Risks.
• Smuggling in the Russian Black Market.
• Social Psychology Influences on Personal Life.
• Health Care Ethics Instructional Design Plan.
• Creating Customer Engagement: Marketing Strategies.
• Obesity Management and Intervention.
• Sony Company’s Supply Chain Management.
• French Revolution and Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.”
• Depression: Types, Symptoms, Etiology & Management.
• Is Bilingualism Beneficial or Harmful for America?
• Effects of Air Pollution on Health.
• Space Investigation and Its Limits.
• Human Life and Death in Christianity and Buddhism.
• The Walt Disney: Analysis of Mission Statement and SWOT Analysis.
• Global Business: Culture, Economics and Changes.
• Cyberbullying Among University Students.
• Role of the Internet in Political Campaigns.
• How Migration Impacted Peru’s Culture.
• American Revolutionary War and Its Significance.

❓ 1500 Word Essay: FAQ

How many pages are 1500 words.

Since one single-spaced page contains around 550 words, and a double-spaced page is 275 words, your 1500-word essay will be 3 single-spaced pages or about 6 double-spaced pages. If you wonder How many sentences is 1500, the answer is 75-100. These calculations are based on the regular length of sentences ranging from 10 to 20 words.

How long does it take to write 1500 words?

Word count is only one factor to consider. Another question that many students have is, “How long will it take me to write q500 words?” This is heavily influenced by research time and comprehension abilities; it may take anywhere from 3 hours to 7-8 hours to compose an essay of this length.

How many pages are 1500 words double-spaced?

Many students’ concern is how many pages their 1500-page essay should take. Here are some basic estimations that will help you determine the page count for this work.

• Three pages: Arial, 12 pt, single-spaced.
• Four pages: Calibri, 10 pt, double-spaced.
• Six pages: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced.

How long is 1500 words?

The 1500-word essay’s length can be measured not only in pages but also in paragraphs. Some find this approach even more convenient, as it helps identify the number of arguments and shape the structure for the 1500-essay. Given that a paragraph is typically 100 to 200 words long (3 to 6 sentences), such papers will take 7 to 15 paragraphs.

• 10 Types of Essays: Examples and Purposes of Each | Indeed.com
• MLA vs. APA: How to Write Citations and Format | Grammarly
• How to Do Research for an Excellent Essay: The Complete Guide – Oxford Royale Academy
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Writing Guides: Writing Tutorial Services: Indiana University Bloomington
• How Many Pages Is 1,500 Words? – Capitalize My Title
• 10 Simple Ways to Write Stronger Introductions
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How Long is an Essay? Guidelines for Different Types of Essay

Published on January 28, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The length of an academic essay varies depending on your level and subject of study, departmental guidelines, and specific course requirements. In general, an essay is a shorter piece of writing than a research paper  or thesis .

In most cases, your assignment will include clear guidelines on the number of words or pages you are expected to write. Often this will be a range rather than an exact number (for example, 2500–3000 words, or 10–12 pages). If you’re not sure, always check with your instructor.

In this article you’ll find some general guidelines for the length of different types of essay. But keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity – focus on making a strong argument or analysis, not on hitting a specific word count.

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Essay length guidelines, how long is each part of an essay, using length as a guide to topic and complexity, can i go under the suggested length, can i go over the suggested length, other interesting articles.

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In an academic essay, the main body should always take up the most space. This is where you make your arguments, give your evidence, and develop your ideas.

The introduction should be proportional to the essay’s length. In an essay under 3000 words, the introduction is usually just one paragraph. In longer and more complex essays, you might need to lay out the background and introduce your argument over two or three paragraphs.

The conclusion of an essay is often a single paragraph, even in longer essays. It doesn’t have to summarize every step of your essay, but should tie together your main points in a concise, convincing way.

The suggested word count doesn’t only tell you how long your essay should be – it also helps you work out how much information and complexity you can fit into the given space. This should guide the development of your thesis statement , which identifies the main topic of your essay and sets the boundaries of your overall argument.

A short essay will need a focused, specific topic and a clear, straightforward line of argument. A longer essay should still be focused, but it might call for a broader approach to the topic or a more complex, ambitious argument.

As you make an outline of your essay , make sure you have a clear idea of how much evidence, detail and argumentation will be needed to support your thesis. If you find that you don’t have enough ideas to fill out the word count, or that you need more space to make a convincing case, then consider revising your thesis to be more general or more specific.

The length of the essay also influences how much time you will need to spend on editing and proofreading .

You should always aim to meet the minimum length given in your assignment. If you are struggling to reach the word count:

• Add more evidence and examples to each paragraph to clarify or strengthen your points.
• Make sure you have fully explained or analyzed each example, and try to develop your points in more detail.
• Address a different aspect of your topic in a new paragraph. This might involve revising your thesis statement to make a more ambitious argument.
• Don’t use filler. Adding unnecessary words or complicated sentences will make your essay weaker and your argument less clear.
• Don’t fixate on an exact number. Your marker probably won’t care about 50 or 100 words – it’s more important that your argument is convincing and adequately developed for an essay of the suggested length.

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In some cases, you are allowed to exceed the upper word limit by 10% – so for an assignment of 2500–3000 words, you could write an absolute maximum of 3300 words. However, the rules depend on your course and institution, so always check with your instructor if you’re unsure.

Only exceed the word count if it’s really necessary to complete your argument. Longer essays take longer to grade, so avoid annoying your marker with extra work! If you are struggling to edit down:

• Check that every paragraph is relevant to your argument, and cut out irrelevant or out-of-place information.
• Make sure each paragraph focuses on one point and doesn’t meander.
• Cut out filler words and make sure each sentence is clear, concise, and related to the paragraph’s point.
• Don’t cut anything that is necessary to the logic of your argument. If you remove a paragraph, make sure to revise your transitions and fit all your points together.
• Don’t sacrifice the introduction or conclusion . These paragraphs are crucial to an effective essay –make sure you leave enough space to thoroughly introduce your topic and decisively wrap up your argument.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Tips for crafting a concise and informative 250-word essay.

Are you overwhelmed by the task of writing a 250-word essay? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay like a pro.

Whether you’re a student working on an assignment or a professional looking to communicate effectively in a limited word count, mastering the art of writing a 250-word essay can be a valuable skill. With the right approach and some key tips, you can create a compelling and well-crafted piece that gets your point across clearly and concisely.

From planning and outlining to refining your writing, we’ll provide you with the essential steps and strategies to help you tackle this challenge with confidence and produce a stellar 250-word essay.

How to Write a Stellar 250 Word Essay

Writing a stellar 250-word essay requires focus and precision. Follow these steps to craft a well-structured and impactful piece:

• Plan Your Points: Before you start writing, outline the main points you want to cover in your essay. Keep it concise and relevant to the topic.
• Introduction: Begin with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention. State your thesis or main idea clearly.
• Main Body: Support your thesis with a few key points. Each point should be clear and concise, using specific examples or evidence.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis. End with a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression.

Remember to use clear and simple language, and avoid unnecessary words or information. Proofread your essay carefully to ensure it is error-free and flows smoothly. With these tips, you can create a stellar 250-word essay that showcases your writing skills effectively.

Understanding the Assignment Requirements

Before you start writing your 250-word essay, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the assignment requirements. Make sure you grasp the topic, the purpose of the essay, and any specific instructions provided by your instructor or professor.

Highlight key points such as the essay’s objective, the audience you are writing for, the structure or format required, the style of writing (formal or informal), and any specific guidelines on sources or citations.

• Take note of the word count specified for the essay.
• Clarify any doubts you may have with your instructor to ensure you are on the right track.
• Organize your thoughts and create an outline based on the assignment requirements before you begin writing.

By thoroughly understanding the assignment requirements, you can ensure that your 250-word essay meets the criteria and effectively conveys your message to the intended audience.

Brainstorming and Outlining Your Ideas

Before you start writing your 250-word essay, it’s essential to brainstorm and outline your ideas. This step will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a coherent and well-structured essay.

Start by brainstorming ideas related to the topic of your essay. Jot down any relevant points, examples, or arguments that come to mind. Consider different perspectives and angles that you can explore in your essay.

Once you have a list of ideas, create an outline for your essay. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, briefly introduce your topic and provide some background information. The body paragraphs should expand on the ideas you brainstormed and provide supporting evidence. Finally, the conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

By brainstorming and outlining your ideas before you start writing, you’ll set yourself up for success and make the writing process much smoother.

Developing Clear and Concise Body Paragraphs

When writing a 250-word essay, it’s essential to develop clear and concise body paragraphs to support your main argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main point and provide evidence to support it. Here are some tips to help you develop effective body paragraphs:

1. Topic Sentence:

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence should clearly state the point you will be discussing.

2. Supporting Evidence:

Provide specific examples, facts, or quotes to support your main point. Make sure that the evidence is relevant and directly relates to your argument.

3. Analysis:

After presenting your evidence, analyze it to explain how it supports your main argument. Discuss the significance of the evidence and how it strengthens your position.

4. Transition:

Use transitional words and phrases to smoothly move from one paragraph to the next. This helps to maintain the flow of your essay and connect your ideas cohesively.

By following these guidelines, you can develop clear and concise body paragraphs that enhance the overall structure and quality of your 250-word essay.

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College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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