How to Write a Winning College Application Essay [Paperback]

Michael James Mason (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 1991 | ISBN-10: 1559580836 | ISBN-13: 978-1559580830

Seniors in high school start feeling stressed at the mere thought of writing the college application essay. They well know the role this crucial document plays in getting into their university of choice. What they may not know is that there is a right way and a wrong way to writing the essay.
?I?ve noticed some recurrent bad habits that have hurt otherwise good essays and I have added mention of them throughout the book,? says Michael James Mason, author of How to Write a Winning College Application Essay. ?A student doesn?t have to be a star scholar or a superhero to write a great application essay. They just have to show on paper that they know some things about themselves and that life has meaning and perspective.?In How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Mason teaches students how to put their best image on paper while letting the essay speak from their heart about what life means to them. Since the publication of the first two editions of his practical manual, thousands of students across the nation have used his techniques in the process of writing their personal statements for college and graduate school.
?Thousands of good students have been accepted into colleges of their choice because their essays were honest, moving and sensitive. Their essays revealed their values, insights and spirit,? says Mason.About the Author

Michael James Mason has helped thousands of students at his College Essay Workshops and in previous editions of this book. In writing the third edition to this popular book, he looked to the experiences of real students and admissions officials, the people who write and read the essays in college applications. He lives in Marina Del Ray, California.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When there are kids out there reading How to Write a Winning College Application Essay and taking author Michael James Mason's College Essay Workshop, you can hardly afford to be left behind. Mason's method requires a lot of hard work, but, as he says in his introduction, "There is no shortcut to writing an essay you are proud to send to the colleges of your choice." Mason recommends putting aside two hours a night for two weeks straight to accomplish this onerous task, which in the long run isn't much of a hardship, considering the possible payoff. During those two weeks, you will come upon your best subject matter by exploring 26 different aspects of yourself. "You don't have to be a star scholar or a superhero to write a great application essay," Mason says. "You just have to show on paper that you know some things about yourself and that your life has meaning and perspective." Mason knows what admissions officers are looking for, and he knows what they dread (he happens to be married to one). This terrific book also includes insightful chapters on the SAT II: Writing Test, financial-aid essays, and graduate-school application essays. --Jane Steinberg --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A Good College Essay

The Difference Between Getting Accepted or Rejected --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles (July 9, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559580836
• ISBN-13: 978-1559580830
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,149,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you don't know where to start, start here, June 7, 2003

By 

ElizabethB (Los Gatos, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition (Paperback)

This best part of this book is that it has a large section (50+ pages) on how to gather the raw material on your life that can help you find the material for your essay. If you have no idea who your hero is or what adversity you've overcome, this will help you find your story and the supporting antecdotes that make your essay stand out. Mason also gives very specific instructions on how to write a good essay. This would be a good book for someone who wants some guidance turning ideas into a workable essay. It also has short chapters in writing essays for the SAT II English test, graduate school admissions and scholarship essays.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A helpful book, September 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition (Paperback)

Of the many books on college that I've brought home for my offspring to look at, _How to Write a Winning College Application Essay_ is the first that my daughter read.

The book is well organized and has interesting topics. My favorite was the chapter of essays gone wrong, and the intelligent discussion of what went wrong with them. My daughter spent hours on the writing exercises--though she hates her writing about herself--and I think they helped her. The tone of this book is helpful, not the least bit condescending, as it points out errors of content, style and tone that can hurt the applicant's chances.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide, April 15, 2008

By 

Nicholas Sinclair - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition (Paperback)

This book is very helpful in forming a coherent, persuasive and meaningful application statement. Michael Mason was my senior AP English teacher, and speaking with him in person is even more beneficial! If possible take one of his writing workshops, he is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. If you can't find a workshop to take, at least pick up the book!