Application essays and college writing

idad
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 02:33:44 +0000

S has had no formal writing class in college. From day one he was expected to be able to write and write well. A style of argument was described and students are expected to adhere to it. Most of his non-science courses relied on papers and essays for evaluation, no multiple choice tests, etc. This is pretty much required of all students no matter what one’s concentration. After his first quarter, S said he understood why so much emphasis was placed on the admission essays, it is absolutely essential that students be able to handle ideas in print.

Here is a description of the writing style expected from the outset, which was posted by another student from S’s school.

“Basically, you must always construct a careful, step-by-step argument, you must always define and thoroughly understand your terms and the terms of your text, and you must be willing to apply your ideas to hypothetical situations and difficulties in interesting ways. Arguments must be*characterized by a strict adherence to evidence and logic, with exploration via examples and questions. Making irrelevent points, trying to argue without strong evidence, and making assumptions without carefully defending them are all treated mercilessly.”

S wholeheartedly agreed, especially with the “mercilessly” part.

Essays that show these characteristics are, I believe, what the admissions folks are seeking.