Compare and Contrast - The Most Effective Writing Technique For College Admissions Essays

Compare and Contrast - The Most Effective Writing Technique For College Admissions EssaysWhen it comes to college admissions essays, there are few more effective methods of compiling a persuasive argument that I have seen than comparing and contrasting essay samples. A combination of your personality and your achievements are the best way to convince your college admissions committee that you are the best candidate for admission.In middle school, students often learn to express themselves through text and literary tools, whether that means writing a short story or an essay. At most high schools, however, students will be given a choice of essay examples. It is an excellent method of visualizing how to construct your own essay.What most middle school student who is going to go on to college will not be exposed to is the comparison and contrast approach that these kind of prose examples offer. This is a perfect opportunity for them to prepare themselves for the challenges they will fac e in college writing.After all, college admissions committees want to know about why you wanted to attend their school. Students often struggle with deciding whether they should concentrate on the 'big' issues like grades or test scores or the little issues that matter most to their overall success.Instead of focusing on the big picture in their essay, compare and contrast essay samples often help students to develop their own personal voice and to focus their writing skills on the 'nitty gritty' details. They often learn to stay on topic and to avoid the temptation to 'go off-topic.' The result is often better clarity and less ambiguity.Another benefit of using this method is that middle school students can quickly be able to recognize good examples and bad examples without too much difficulty. By contrast, when they encounter essay examples in college and high school, it may take them a little longer to understand which ones are valuable and which ones are a waste of time.When it comes to college admissions committees, the very best examples of concise, clear writing are often those written by students who have never had an opportunity to really master the craft. Because we often compare and contrast college application essays, it is important for students to understand that some of the best examples will be coming from those who have a lot of work ahead of them.If you wish to impress college admissions committees, you will need to be aware of the fact that if you compare and contrast essay samples, you will be showing your writing skills in ways that college applicants may not be expecting. That will put you ahead of the rest of the pack, and you may even make a few heads turn toward you as the next great writer.