Ivy Eyes Editing Writing Tips

ivyeyesedit

Hello,

    

Ivy Eyes Editing is a US-based online editing company that partners
with applicants on admissions essays, resumes, and more. Our editors
include published authors, MBA's, and educational consultants, all of
whom are uniquely committed to the writing process and helping our
clients develop writing skills for the future.

    

Within this thread, we would like to provide a series of writing tips
that help you to refine your admissions materials--the first of which
is included below.

    

Best of luck this admissions season!

    

Sincerely,

Ivy Eyes Editing

www.ivyeyesediting.com

    

    

    

***

Hi everyone,

    

We understand the intensity of admissions season
and wanted to create a series of quick tips to help steer you in the
right direction. From our point of view, here are the 5 most common
admissions essay mistakes:

    

1.Tonal and Narrative Balance - We
have mentioned this before, but the key is finding a balance between
humanity and authenticity and targeting the prompt and sophistication
in your essays. This balance is shifted depending on the level of the
applicant (MBA essays will feel more 'buttoned up' than a college level
essay). However, every admissions essay should target a specific prompt
and also convey a deeper sense of who you are. Use language and content
to find this balance!

    

2. Admit me! Admit me! Overselling
Yourself - Applicants frequently push too hard to demonstrate fit with
an institution. Their writing loses all sense of authenticity and
focus. They resort to stilted language like, 'If admitted to XXX, I
will bring my enthusiasm...' In doing so, they impede the natural
momentum of their writing.

    

3. Underdeveloped Ideas and Cliches -
"I want to be a doctor because I thrive on patient interaction." "A
legal career will help me to drive change in underserved communities."
"You can never judge a book by its cover." "I want to make the world a
better place." Vague, underdeveloped ideas and cliches seem to go hand
in hand.

    

Stay specific and concrete--flesh out the path even if
you are uncertain. Employ language that is your own. Whether you are
writing a college essay, MBA admissions essay, med school or law school
personal statement, clearly define your story and your purpose.

    

4.
Missing the Prompt - Make sure that you reread the prompt. Did you
catch every facet of the prompt--such as the 'why' component? Consider
the admissions committee point of view. Do you think you gave them the
level of reflection they are looking for?

    

4b. The Man in the
Mirror - All admissions essays should show a degree of perspective and
self-reflection. Ultimately, this implies maturity, and a willingness
to enter a community that can shape you (and vice versa).

    

5.
Concision - It is ironic that we needed to add a 4b to squeeze in this
last tip. It just goes to show, it is difficult to think and write
concisely. In admissions essays, however, it is to your advantage to
'think crisp.' This will help you to sharpen your content, and cut out
'fluff' which does not enrich your candidacy.

    

We hope these tips
help you as you work on your admissions materials. As always, message
us with specific questions or to receive a free assessment of your
first writing submission, including admissions essays, personal
statements, resumes, cover letters, dissertations and more.

    

All best,

    

Ivy Eyes Editing

www.ivyeyesediting.com