Customer Reviews

The College Application Essay: Guidelines for Writing Unique Essays, Plus...

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've thought very carefully about making this statement, and must submit that this book contributed significantly to my daughter's successful application process. Her grades were hardly top level, but, inspired by McGinty's clear and direct recommendations, she worked hard on her essays and is now enrolled in an Ivy League college. Unlike other purportedly helpful books in this field, this one focuses on the reflective and personal process that actually makes this rite of passage an edifying one for the student. McGinty helps her readers write an essay that will fulfill its purpose; i.e., enable a college admissions officer to learn about the applicant. Rather than dictating a series of rote "How-tos," she encourages self-exploration and -expression as a means to this end. Her unique perspective as an educator and college admissions consultant make her eminently qualified to guide a teenager through the swamp that the application essays can come to feel like. As a writing teacher myself, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

This book seems to be written from a defensive mode. It clearly doesn't take chances where it has to, such as giving clear examples of points mentioned in the book. This book should change its name to "How to Write a Paper for College" as it does just that.

The first 66 pages are what you would find in any beginning composition class, but as seniors approaching college, students need more than just the basics. Almost all of the examples aren't even application essay examples, but literary examples which don't serve a purpose. Examples such as an introduction on Dickens is completely useless. How about an introduction for a college application essay? And the examples go on from there including, desert animals, The Simpsons, Hamlet, Moby Dick, and a comparison of FDR and Wilson. It's almost as if the writer can't write a good application essay, which is why the examples are literary and historical in nature.

What students really need are powerful introductions, a method of how to bring out themselves in an essay, and memorable conclusions, not just worthless literary examples.

I invested a lot of time learning Sarah's rules and techniques to successful application writing and let me tell you there are a few tricks to the trade that aren't as intuitive as one may think. The most valuable part of her `program', for lack of a better word, is helping come up with a cohesive application profile. It helps you choose essay topics that reflect this profile and ensure that you are presenting yourself fairly and adequately to the admission committee. Her book clearly identifies the traps that unsuccessful applicants fall into and helps you steer clear of the canned essays so many are unsuccessful with. I have recently been accepted to one of the top 3 business programs worldwide by following Sarah's methods. I highly Sarah's essay writing program.

Excellent book; if you want real advice on how to write a stellar application essay, this is the guide for you. At first, I purchased a few other books on the topic, but they were not helpful because they simply cited positive aspects of other students' essays. It's hard (and not advisable) to copy other people's writing. Also, these books were all about "selling yourself," and produced very canned, artificial drafts.

After hearing many great things about McGinty's book, I found that it helped me craft an essay which reflected my character, spirit, and ideas-- my essay soon dramatically changed into a more interesting and powerful part of my application. Using these strategies, I was admitted to a top 5 college and a top 5 law school despite my less-than-great test scores. You will not regret this investment!!

Some people swear by this book, but I didn't find it that helpful. The book has some examples at the end, but the commentary does not provide much insight as to how the reader can fix their own essay. The writer uses quotes from different college counselors, one of which I found out is from a counselor at my school! What I most disliked about the book is that it gives more examples of college questions, than ways to approach the question. In one chapter, the author gave 3 pages worth of college supplement section questions but didn't give a clear way to answer them.
I would recommended looking into other books before you buy this. Visit your local book store and flip through the book before deciding to buy it. I found another book I bought (The 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays) much better than this. It doesn't surprise me though, because it is branded by the College Board, which makes me expect vague explanations and no real purpose.

Ms McGinty's advice on crafting a noteworthy college application essay is a wonderful aid to an aspiring college student. She provides numerous examples of essays but, more importantly, clearly outlines how to approach the process so the finished product actually reflects the person who is writing it. The point is not to imitate someone else's impressive essay but rather to utilize the advice in this book to speak with your own voice while remaining aware of what colleges are looking for - that is, to think about the process in addition to making use of practical suggestions. I think this book is an invaluable guide to a challenging, even intimidating, undertaking.

This book was all over the August U S News and World Report issue on American colleges and universities. It's a definite keeper.

I am unable to rate this purchase. It was a gift and I never opened the book. The book arrived on time and was well packaged.

Sarah McGinty really knows her stuff. What I've learned not only helped me when I was applying to colleges, but was invaluable during my studies and after. The instruction is clear and understandable. This is not just a book about writing a college essay, but a book about proper communication. Buy this book and you won't regret it!!

I always think it's funny when authors of competing books put in negative reviews and refuse to disclose their name. It's pretty humorous...

Nonetheless, I worked with Sally (in-person) very successfully to get into a number of top 5 graduate business schools, and I found her book to have many invaluable lessons and examples that will make your application essays for any program light years stronger.

As an interviewer for Yale (where I went for undergrad), I thought I understood what to do and not pretty well...but nonetheless, with Sally's shrewd advice (which applies very well to both college and graduate school applications), I learned a great deal about writing successful essays, and my application became much stronger!

I'd strongly encourage anyone applying to college or graduate school to read this book -- which captures the best of Sally's teachings. They certainly helped me get into the top schools of my choice!!!