Writer's Block

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This class will provide students with helpful tips to come up with great essays.

Objective: Learn strategies to save time and hassle while writing your essay.

 

This page is written for those already selected an essay topic. If you have not selected a topic, please see our essay topic selection web page. We have heard repeatedly from high school seniors that their greatest concern when attempting to write their college application is overcoming fear of not knowing what to write.

With the general application process anxiety, it is almost unavoidable that you will have a mind block at some point when writing your essay. We have created five tips that will aid you in overcoming writer’s block.

Top 5 Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block

1. Give yourself a self-imposed deadline. Make your deadline well before the actual essay deadline. That will give you plenty of time to proofread and edit.

2. Talk out your "story." If you are self conscious about using a friend for this, stand in front of a mirror and talk about your various essay topics. Whether it be discussing the most important person in your life or a hard lesson learned, saying it first will make it easier to write.

3. Get away from your distractions. If you need quiet, go to the library. Stay away from your biggest distractions. If the Internet causes you to procrastinate, handwrite your essay before your type it. If food is your biggest distraction, stay well clear of the refrigerator and kitchen.

4. Start anywhere. At this early stage, it doesn't matter if you start with your ending, second most important point, etc. Just write! Once you start, inertia will keep you moving. It is better to get into a flow of writer. Then you can look back and see if it makes sense.

5. Do NOT worry about grammar. That will come later in the essay editing portion of the timetable. Worry more about the content.