Tip 1:  Start with Purpose (not with the Essay Questions)

Tip 10: If You Struggle with the Rules of Formal, White, Written English 

You’re not alone. 

The version of English used in formal, academic writing in this country is a foreign language to almost everyone.

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Below, I share a few tips that have helped other English learners (and others who’ve struggled with English grammar) write beautiful, touching essays that inspire admission officers. 

Find One or More Readers

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Finding volunteer readers is especially important for students who struggle with formal, white, written English.

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There are people out there who want to help you. Find them and give them the opportunity to support your important work on this. 

If you’re aware of specific challenges you face in writing (for example, subject-verb agreement, the “right” preposition to use with a given verb, uncertainty about combining sentences), ask your readers to keep an eye out for these specific issues as they review your drafts.

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Start in Your Most Comfortable Language

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If you’re more comfortable writing in another language (including your unique version of English), create your verbal sketch, collect your material, and outline your essays in that language. 

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When you're ready to start, focus on turning your outline into a first, imperfect draft. Then evaluate what works and what doesn't so that you can gradually start improving it. There’s no need at all to do this work in English. Do it in the language that brings out your clarity and creativity.

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After you've done your first draft, translate it into your best version of formal, white, written English. Ask for help from your readers. 

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Share Your Linguistic Journey

Language affects how we think, understand, share, and experience the world. Your observations about the variations of language and their interplay with culture are valuable opportunities to help your readers experience your creativity, thoughtfulness, and insights.

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For example: 

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• Language may give you an opportunity to share your experience or perspective on issues like immigration, culture, race, school resources, your determination to overcome a challenge, and more. 

• Idioms and sayings often don't translate directly. But by explaining the importance of a meaningful idiom in your first language, you can share a poignant experience and a new perspective that touches your readers. 

Your linguistic journey includes priceless material that can help your readers see some of the related and unrelated key elements of your identity.