How to Write Great Admissions Essays: Step 5

(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!)

Step 5: Marry Your Thesaurus
Variety is the spice of life, and that goes for food, people, travel, and, yes, words. The easiest way to raise the linguistic bar is through word choice; finding appropriate synonyms to stand in for tired words is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your writing. The trick is in finding descriptive words while avoiding esoteric or "showy" language. Consider the following strategies:

Play it straight while drafting, spice it up while revising. You've probably been warned against using fancy words in your writing and that is a worthwhile piece of advice. That said, it doesn't require that you be bland. The best way to avoid using forced language and ridiculous words is to express your thoughts in the most straightforward way possible on the first pass. Then -- and only then -- should you go back through the composition with your handy thesaurus and find more reader-friendly and natural replacements. Thanks to Microsoft Word, you don't need an actual thesaurus—simply highlight the word and right click to find the "synonyms" option.

Say each word out loud; then define it. If you can't pronounce a word, or you don't know exactly what it means, don’t use it. Just because a word is synonymous with another word does not ensure that they mean exactly the same thing within the context of your idea.

Be bold. If you are interested in writing at the highest level, consider investing in a great thesaurus and experimenting with word origins. In particular, make an effort to use English words with Germanic origins. Most words in the English language derive from either Romance languages rooted in Latin, or Germanic languages. Romance words are typically more elegant, while Germanic words are more forceful and in most instances, there is a counterpart for each word. Depending on the situation, one is more appropriate than the other. In the case of persuasive writing steeped in results, forceful, Germanic words are often preferable.

Stay tuned for Step 6, in which we'll teach you how to be passive aggressive! 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!