How to Write a Winning College Application Essay, Revised 4th Edition (Paperback)

~ Michael James Mason (Author) "The college application process is not fun..." (more)
Key Phrases: essay workshop, college application essay, college essay, Ballantine Ale, Ernest Hemingway (more...)

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 4 Rev Sub edition (May 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761524266
• ISBN-13: 978-0761524267
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #212,714 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 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	"goldenhawk" (Saratoga, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

2 of 2 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 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!