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Getting In: Tips for Writers of High School Essays

Already have a plan for where you want to go to high school? College? Relax, we'll help you figure it out. In the mean time, read up on how to write an essay that will get you noticed by the high school of your choice. Find out what Ms. Denise's top advice is for writing excellent high school essays, and follow the links for examples of essays that have worked for former LFL students.

Hints from Ms. Denise

Write at least three paragraphs that show the reader how special you are:

PARAGRAPH ONE (INTRODUCTION): WHO AM I?

Start with a short anecdote or story about you that hooks the reader into your essay.

EXAMPLE: When I was eight years old my grandmother became very sick. Everyday after school, I helped to take care of my grandmother by feeding her favorite snacks and meals and reading to her. Ever since then, I have wanted to become a doctor.

Then answer:

What's special about me?

What are my special strengths?

What are my talents and interests?

What activities am I involved in outside of school (after-school clubs, sports, scouts, babysitting, church, etc.)?

Hint: This is where you want to brag about your grades, your honors and awards, how you are responsible, dependable, motivated, etc.

PARAGRAPH TWO (BODY OF THE ESSAY): WHY DO I WANT TO COME TO YOUR SCHOOL?

In this part you want to tell them why you want to come to their school.

*Be specific about what you like about their school.

*If you have already visited, be specific about what made you excited to go there.

*If you have a cousin or brother/sister there, talk about that.

*If you have always wanted to go there ever since sixth grade, say that here.

Hint: For Career Academy, you need to focus on the specific Pathways you will study there and why.

PARAGRAPH THREE (CONCLUSION OF THE ESSAY): WHY SHOULD YOU WANT ME AS A STUDENT AT YOUR SCHOOL?

This is the paragraph that summarizes what a great candidate you are for their school.

Answer:

What are your goals for this particular school?

What activities will you participate in during and after school?

What is it about this school that you find exciting?

What are your strengths that fit into this school's strengths?

Hint: Be specific about how your strengths and goals match the strengths and goals of the school.

End by thanking them for their consideration and telling them how much you hope to be a student there next year. It's okay to be a little funny or personal, if that matches who you are.

Sample Essays