The dreaded essay every high school senior faces is due in less than a week.  What now? Well, you know it has to be done, and carry with it a piece of your heart.  This will be one of the most important essays you will ever write.  This has the potential to open the door for every career decision you make as an adult.   Does it sound like a lot of pressure?  Perhaps it is, but once you realize you can meet that challenge and in fact, can create a masterpiece just by being your true self. It’s a matter transferring it to paper and sending it on its way.  Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• You’re facing some mighty tough competition – But you knew that already, right?  Here’s where that corner can be turned: look at it as the rest of the candidates facing even tougher competition: you.  What defines you?  What provides inspiration on those bad days?  What is it in you that knows, without a doubt, you can rule the world?  Take that energy and put every bit of it into your efforts as you write your essay.  Don’t be afraid to step up to the plate and show a bit of that bold and fearless side of you.  It’s important you differentiate between over-confident (conceited) and the certainty of where your life is headed.  In fact, say just that: “I know where my path leads me in my life; this is that first critical step that will get me there”.
• Be humble, be gracious and be sincere – That means nothing more than acknowledging you’re where the vast majority of people on this planet have never been: the cusp of a college education.  Reiterate your dedication to seeing this through and your goals after you’ve received that precious degree.
• Spell check and then spell check again and finally, spell check once more – Allow those who have mastered the art of writing to provide feedback.  Ask your aunt, who majored in English, to give it the once-over.  Ask for input – and then accept it, consider it and incorporate it if it feels right.  Allow others to provide that constructive input that can take a fantastic essay to the next level.
• Pay attention to deadlines – Don’t blow it here.  You’ve worked hard, you’ve done the extensive research, you’ve rewritten it eleven times and you’ve ensured every sentence is properly structured.  So don’t sabotage your hard work by missing the deadline.  It’s a deal breaker for every college.
• They know about your past, introduce them to your future – Tell the board, in a clear and focused text exactly who you are eight years from now.  Don’t tell them what you hope for, tell them what you know.   Consider this:

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