The Writing Process; Classroom Compositions to College Essays

This past week I received a call from a parent whose child worked with an LS tutor on his college essay.  She called to report her son was ecstatic.  He just opened his acceptance letter from his “long shot” first choice college.  Prior to receiving his acceptance letter, he had learned his best friend (who had a higher GPA) was denied to the same college.  The LS tutor client was sure the essay was the “golden ticket”.  He said working with his tutor to hone writing skills, focus a topic and perfect the essay made the difference and earned his acceptance to a top tier school.

Working with a tutor in the area of writing helps students gain confidence that will carry them through any content, class and level.  Guest blogger and featured LS Tutor, Rick, shares insight into the writing process below.  Rick is a graduate of The Landon School and Yale University where he conducted alumni interviews for 10 years. A published Kiplinger business author, Rick wrote and rewrote this article until he was able to say exactly what he wanted to say. With his guidance, your student could have just as much success in writing.

The Art of Writing

Being able to write clearly and express yourself well is a lifelong process. As your proficiency in writing improves, so too will your joy in writing. I know, novel thought to enjoy writing. So let’s share three simple suggestions to sharpen and hone your writing skills so you can enjoy when you put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard. 

1.    Plan, write and, for heavensakes, rewrite. I hope we all outline what we intend to write.  Get your thoughts on paper sooner rather than later. Clear thinking leads to clear writing. Plan what you are going to write. The better you outline what you want to say, the easier to write. Properly laid out, your essay will write itself.

2.    Print, red pen, refine and, update. I found my greatest success in the refining and reworking. Allow some time between your rewrites.  Best to have fresh eyes on your work. Get away from your writing until your head clears and you approach your writing with a fresh perspective. My best thoughts usually come when I least expect them.  Your best writing is usually a rewrite or two away. Don’t let your best writing get away from you. Over time, you will become your own best writing coach.

While rewriting, always look for the “right” word. Imagine if it had been “There were good times and bad times” rather than what it actually is, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Better choice huh?  “Best” and “worst” set  the stage properly and, more importantly, inspire the reader to read on. Are your readers looking forward to reading further into your writings?

Use sharper, more descriptive and definitive language when you can. Remember the fewer words you are allowed to use, the more valuable each one will be. So select your words with the greatest precision. 

 3.    Lastly, read all you can. You become a better writer by becoming a more voracious reader. If you are looking for something to read, read the news daily. Subscribe to a daily news source; Be informed.  Not only will you be informed on world events, you’ll be improving your writing skills as well. Bonus, and perhaps more important, always strive to say more with fewer words. Less is more, especially in writing.

Writing is a terrific way to influence and sway others.  Continually apply the three strategies above to improve your skills.

 To work with Rick or other LS Tutors, please contact us today! https://www.lstutors.com/contact

Posted in college essay, writing.