Introduction (usually one paragraph) a) Hook-get your reader's attention b) Preview the main idea c) State your thesis.

You can even try plugging your thoughts into an outline template. This will help you place your ideas in a logical order and help eliminate some ideas that aren't as strong or that don't quite belong in your essay.Īfter you have listed all of your ideas, it's time to start plugging in your details into an outline template that includes an introduction, a body of supporting details, and a conclusion. You will eventually take your brainstorm of thoughts and organize this chaos into a neat, orderly outline. Where would they go in an outline template?Ī basic outline format includes an introduction, a body of supporting ideas, and a conclusion. For now, you want to see if this subject is meaty enough to stick with and if you can relate several ideas to the main topic. Again, don't judge your thoughts just let them flow. Draw lines and circles out to ideas that support this main topic. Write your topic in the middle of a page and circle it. A good, old-fashioned web of ideas can help you see how your thoughts are connected to your main idea. Once you've chosen your topic, it's time to see if you have enough details to support this topic. Maybe a few topics could even be combined to create one larger, more developed topic. Once you've created a list, look for topics that seem like the best fit for you and the assignment you've been given. Set a timer for five minutes and list every topic that pops into your head. Don't judge the topics you're writing just get as many of your thoughts on paper as possible. Start by listing all of the topics you're considering. Here are the basic steps you should follow: 1. Good news: it's not very difficult to put together an outline for an essay. Like it says in the article above, 'Admissions look for essays where student highlights their growth and introspection, so your essay should focus on you learning and growing as a person.' So you don't have to write about the 'most important thing that ever happened to you' or some other monumental event.What are the steps for creating an outline? So when writing an application essay, you can write about anything as long as it describes you and your character.

They are looking to see who you are as a person, and if you're the type of person they want at their college. Understand that in most cases, the admissions officers want to get to know you.

If you could get them to proof-read your draft and give pointers, that would be even better.

Finding a teacher who could help you along the way would be invaluable. They can also point you in the right direction in terms of videos and, if you struggle with English, perhaps they could also help you out in that regard. I'd also encourage you to talk to a teacher or someone who has already done several application essays (and knows what they're talking about). (If you look on YouTube, find videos that are posted by a school, institution, company, or at least an educated person so that you're not led astray.)ĭoing a general search on a search engine can pull up some good educational websites. I'm not quite sure what type of videos you are looking for, but you name it, YouTube's got it.

College essay rough draft example