How to Write Great Admissions Essays: Step 1

(This is part of a new series that we will roll out over the next several weeks, introducing our readers to our proven 10-step process for writing great admissions essays. Check back often for more MBA admissions essay tips!)

The process of executing a powerful and persuasive application essay is both an art and a science. Fortunately, you are not alone in this endeavor. In addition to being graduate admissions experts, Veritas Prep admissions consultants are also excellent writers who can help you refine your prose and style, each having used Veritas Prep's best practices and strategies for great writing for years.

We have gathered their collective wisdom over the past several months and boiled it down to ten critical steps, and will share it with you in this space over the next few weeks. By the time you have read all ten tips, you should be that much closer to a fantastic admission essay.

Step 1: Create a Writing Environment
One of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes when it comes to essay writing is one's setting —- applicants too often elect to write in the wrong place or at a bad time. What makes an environment inappropriate for writing? It could be many things, but it almost always centers around a negative impact on the author's ability to focus. Examples of contributing factors to a poor writing environment include:

• Noisy area


• Cluttered or messy workspace


• Too many distractions or opportunities to focus on other tasks


• Rushed time frame


• Writing at odd hours, particularly late at night


• Uncomfortable seating and lighting

While the problems above may sound trite and obvious, or like considerations from a bad copywriting manual, each example above is unfortunately very common. At one point or another -— out of necessity or otherwise -— you may have found yourself guilty of committing some of these writing environment sins. Working on an essay while riding the train to work, outlining your paragraphs in the student lounge, keeping one eye on your email inbox, slumped on the couch late at night in a dimly lit room... all are very realistic scenarios in which you might find yourself composing an essay. Considering the number of essays you will write and the busy lives that most graduate school applicants lead, it is not surprising to see people cramming in writing whenever they get a break in the action. As a result, you must be willing to make the commitment to your writing. If you want to write like a pro, you have to approach the task like a professional.

To create the proper writing environment, take these important steps:

• Block out time in your schedule to work on your essays. Ensure that the block of time is long enough to get significant work done, factoring in time to brainstorm as well as compose. "Writer's block" is bound to occur and you want to be able to push through any slumps before your session concludes. Additionally, adherence to a schedule is mandatory.


• Find a proper work space and use it every time you write. An easy way to create an environment conducive to focus is to sit at a desk with proper lighting and a comfortable chair. Try not to let your office or cubicle at work double as your essay writing work space; however, so long as you can disengage from the work day, writing in your office is often better than writing on the train, on the couch with your laptop propped up on your knees or amongst noisy roommates.


• Shut down your wireless connection. Nothing is more distracting than the looming temptation to check email, cnn.com, Defamer or whatever your Internet preference might be. For the duration of your essay writing session, turn off your phone, turn off your wireless connection and concentrate on the task at hand.


• Pay attention to the audio environment. Some people enjoy listening to music while others are distracted by it, or perhaps you need earplugs to drown out the sound of the TV from the other room. Discover what makes you comfortable and allows you to concentrate, and consider looking into the many available relaxation and concentration tools that are available in audio form. It’s all about getting comfortable, settled in, and focused.


• Eliminate mental clutter. There is nothing more difficult than writing while daydreaming or dwelling on problems. Your best writing will come when you are able to focus all of your attention to the task at hand—composition. Obviously, achieving total focus is easier said than done, but it can still be achieved if you eliminate tasks from your to-do list beforehand and vow never to write when you are upset or fresh off of dealing with a complicated issue.

Stay tuned for Step 2, coming in a few days. In the meantime, if you need help with your MBA admissions essays or personal statements immediately, give us a call at 800-925-7737 and talk to one of our admissions experts. And, as always, be sure to follow us on Twitter!