Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps: Crafting a Winning Personal Statement

Comment: I am a senior about to apply to colleges, and this book was extremely helpful in my essay writing process.

I usually can't stand reading academic books that don't get to the point. The ones that do usually only give me general tips on what I should be writing about. This book helped me with every individual step.

It was easy to read and it was very to the point. The example essays were fantastic; he even gave us the drafts so that we could read each step progression that the writers made. I would recommend this book to anyone who is stressed out about writing their college essay.

Comment: Upon receiving acceptance letters from Harvard and other top schools, I couldn't think of anyone who deserved my thanks more than Mr. Gelb.

After I went through the ten-step process highlighted in the book, what began as a run-of-the-mill college essay--something even my parents didn't care to read--became a concise and compelling personal portrait by the end of the month.

Unlike college essay books that view the writing simply as a means to an end, "Conquering the College Admissions Essay" carries the reader, in a lively and conversational tone, through the entire writing process and adapts that process to fit the unique requirements of a college admissions essay.

I found that chances my getting into my dream school weren't the only thing that improved: I emerged a stronger writer, with greater clarity and stronger voice. Hands down, no other guide beats Mr. Gelb's in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Comment: Excellent and short guide to assist in writing those pesky admissions essays. It has helpful info for all steps from the procrastination phase through the final polish stage and uses example to emphasize the point. I would suggest this book and one more that is mainly essay examples (there are multiple ones out there). If you only have time for one this is probably it.

Comment: If you want step by step excellent advice on how to focus your son or daughter on their college essay, this book is exactly what you need. From selecting a topic to figuring out how to construct the essay and make it special, this is really an extraordinarily well thought out and accessible resource. What was really wonderful was that the advice on constructing the college essay also spilled over into excellent pointers about writing more generally so it was a valuable book for more than just the college essay. If you're wondering how your child is ever going to get started, if s/he's hit a wall in putting the essay together, or if you just feel as though the essay could be better, get this book. It's not easy helping a high school senior put together the college application (I've now done it with three children) so it's a real gift to find a book this good that you can just give to your child and know they're getting excellent advice. I really do think every parent should buy this book for their college bound high school student.

Comment: 'Conquering the College Admission Essay in the 10 Steps', by Alan Gelb reviews basic high school composition and how it applies to the college applicant's personal statement. Developing the technical aspects of conflict, protagonists and timing are critical to an interesting product.

I recommend that the editing parent and student read 'Conquering . . ', then everyone is on the same page. Gelb crafts a great example of story telling by a classic 'mom', then injects the critical aspects of a successful essay. Very clever and interesting example for discussion between writer and editor.

Another great book is 'On Writing the College Application Essay', by Harry Bauld. In contrast, Bauld's book gives incredible insight into who is the recipient of the essay; how to fashion the final product to intrigue the decision maker and their panel; and the process of the application. 'On Writing . . ' is smartly written for the Ivy League applicant -- or the best prepared future state school attendee.

Together these two books will supply the writer with ammunition and the tools needed for a solid essay. Good Luck!