At some point in the admissions' process, you are going to have to write an essay otherwise known as The Writing Sample. Don't be unduly fazed by this requirement. It is simply one more piece of the admissions' puzzle.
One thing you will never do, no matter how tempted you may be to do so, is to use the services of an essay writing company such as EssayEdge. You won't be able to anyway, because the two places where you will have to write an essay appear are on the SSAT test itself and when you turn up for your interview at the school. So, put that thought out of your mind right now. The school wants to hear what you think, it wants to see how you write and all in your own words, not somebody else's.
The secret to writing effortlessly is to practise as much as you can. Keep a journal. Write a blog. Write. Write. Write. Model your writing after the best examples. Yes, that means that you need to read great literature.
Don't worry about grammar and syntax. If those skills are part of your tool kit, then use them. If they are not your strong suit, then just be yourself. The school wants to see and feel the real you, not some persona which you think they want to see.
Remember: the writing sample or essay is merely one more piece in the admissions puzzle.
Resources
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Read Related Admissions Articles: |
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| We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect. |
• 5 Things To Avoid During Your Admissions Interview
When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by avoiding these five common mistakes.
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• Application Calendar
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• Guidelines for International Students
In addition to complying with all the admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa.
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• How Do I Apply?
You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
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• They Didn't Accept My Child!
You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
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• Waitlisted? What Next?
Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
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• The Scramble For Places In Primary Schools
It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
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• What If I Miss The Deadlines?
Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.
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| Test Preparation |
| Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here. |
• Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Approaches
Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
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• COOP, HSPT and TACHS
You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
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• Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
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• SSAT and ISSE
Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
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• How To Read The Test Scores
SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
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• Preparing for Admissions Tests
Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
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| School Visits |
| After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person. |
• Getting To Know You
The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
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• The Interview
Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
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• The Visit
Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
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• What If You Cannot Visit The School?
Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.
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