The fact that you're reading this book means one of two things:
A school counselor has warned you that the essay "can play a significant role in the admission decision, and so you'd better take it seriously."
A friend who is already working on his or her essays has suggested that you "go buy one of those books that includes a bunch of essays to get some ideas."
Both the counselor and the friend are right; but you're probably still worried about all of this—for one (or more) of three reasons:
Your GPA isn't spectacular, and you doubt that even a great essay will get you into your first-choice college
You don't consider yourself a "good" writer or a "creative" writer.
You believe you've lived such an ordinary life that you have nothing interesting, important, or unique to say to the admission committee.
Wrong, wrong, and wrong! Okay, there's nothing you can do about your GPA (except to improve your grades in the future). Let's concentrate on what you can do. So you're not another Hemingway or Twain. Does this mean you have to settle for a college admission essay that is just "okay" or even "pretty good"? Absolutely not. Writing effective essays does not require creative genius, divine inspiration, or a high I.Q. It does not require that you've traveled, volunteered to further social causes, dined with well-known influential people, or looked death in the face. All it requires is some self-knowledge, time, and effort.
Part 1 of this book is crammed with practical, useful tools to help you generate ideas and craft a masterpiece. Don't feel, however, that you have to follow every piece of advice included here. These tips are meant to help you get started; they are not intended as hard-and-fast rules for writing admission essays.
Introduction to Part 1