LOL. They aren't looking for perfect grammar. They are looking for YOU. They are reading your essay in 2 minutes or less just to get a sense of YOU, not your ability at grammar. Nothing to worry about at all. In fact, "perfect" grammar suggests the possibility that you had multiple eyes on it. As the President of UPenn said, "We want authentic and imperfect." In other words, REAL. So it's a non-issue.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. BTW....if you are applying to competitive schools, my video course and book are really helpful and very inexpensive. Please check out my website, www.WriteToCollege.com BEST OF LUCK
I can't possibly imagine what offended you. I give this presentation to over 50 of the top high schools on Long Island and in New Jersey. I am brought back ANNUALLY... I have incredible testimonials from superintendents, principals, Directors of Guidance, teachers and PTA presidents. I also have an amazing track record working with students from across the USA and internationally. My referral rate is over 60%. I understand that not everyone finds everything humorous but to call me "savage," well....thankfully, you are in the vast, vast, vast minority. I wish you the very best.
Sorry sir, if you misunderstood what I meant. By using that word, all I wanted to say was that you're humorous (aka kinda sorta savage. Yeah, that's true only if you look up in urban dictionary and nt google) and got to the point very quick unlike what i've experienced elsewhere like counselors i've met. And yes, i can see why you have an amazing track record. I'm already on the 12:34 of your 2nd video on Mistakes Students Make on Their College Application Essays. This really made me realise how I should be careful with words. Thanks. Great content. Helped with alot.
I feel REALLY OLD RIGHT NOW :) LOL. I can't believe I misunderstood the connotation to savage. I guess I am REALLY, REALLY OLD. :( LOL. I am so happy you actually like the videos. BEST OF LUCK
Writing an essay where you go against the system Basically my school in India made different batches of students according to their % / marks in 1 exam(based only math and science) for a year. E.g. 85 -100 = section A , 70-85= section B and so on. I REQUESTED *in a very proper way* (otherwise adcom will think I'm the who starts riots) my principal if he could change this and make more diverse classes and not solely dependent on math and science for various reasons. After reqesting 3 times (aft 6 months), they agreed. It has a big story to it which only I can tell. My only problem is that, since I'm an international student and don't know much about US, I fear they might get offended by me going against the system."Against" is not really the right to use but basically not agreeing with system whichever it is for that matter. But at the same time I'm on the side of colleges by wanting diverse class in my school/ community. Do you think that would be considered offensive?
I'm 6:40 in, and this video is already killing me. I've so many of these type videos, and though you can glean a little here or there, every minute of this video is packed with honest advice. Based on other college essay videos, I was considering jumping off a bridge, so my son would have something traumatic to write his essay about overcoming tragedy. (Though it likely wouldn't be viewed as tragedy in this house, but he could certainly play it off). Great stuff so far. Ok, I'll shut up and let you finish.
Where do I send the check? Thank you so much for that incredible comment. I also have to say that your comment about throwing yourself over a bridge is hysterical. I might have to steal it for my presentation. It's brilliant. If you don't mind, please email me at Randy@WriteToCollege.com I promise you won't get a sales pitch for my one-on-one services or my book and video course. If by any chance you are near Long Island or in New Jersey, I speak every spring at top performing high schools...... with your line of course. LOL
Now THIS is a compliment. :) Thank you very, very much. If you are applying to competitive schools, my book and video course are even BETTER and together sell for only $24.99USD Check out my website www.WriteToCollege.com and thank you again. Best of Luck
Awwwwww. You made my day. THANK YOU. If you want, my book and video course are even BETTER and only $24.99 for both. Just email me if you are interested. Randy@WriteToCollege.com BEST OF LUCK
One of the Common App topics this year is to “write about something that when you talk about, you lose track of time”. I’m writing about my fascination with Rube Goldberg devices and how it led me to want to work for Disney. I felt it’s a unique topic to me, and expresses how I can take seemingly unrelated things and fuse them together.
Thank you so much. I appreciate it. BTW...my book on essays is just as entertaining and helpful. :) Email me for details. Randy@WriteToCollege.com Best of Luck!!!!
I am writing my essay about failure. I actually began to write that I worked hard and to do this blah blah blah. But as I was writing I thought to myself," Would you do something knowing that there is a high risk of being wrong?" .
I feel attacked. I most definitely use the words "thus" and "plethora" on a regular basis. And I can't help it, that's just the way my writing comes out. It's either that or sit through an uncomfortably sarcastic essay
Awwwww. Look at the bright side....I am saving you from a lifetime of literary humiliation. :) Avoid those words. The life you save may be your own. :)
Just don't use the same high-vocabulary word multiple times in the same essay. Don't say 'thus' four times to make four different points, and especially not in a paragraph you've already used 'thus' in. The best thing to do is to read it out loud and make sure that when you speak your message is clear, your word usage isn't repetitive, you don't sound nervous, and your essay flows as though you were speaking it.
Your video is honestly underrated, this has opened my eyes perfectly. I think I’ve added my fair amounts of imperfections, however I might need to add more of myself because many of the people that are applying to the colleges I want to go to might reference their academic achievements rather than their own experiences. Thank you so much for this, the way you’ve formatted and introduced this video was absolutely hilarious.
I just finished junior year and amongst everything going on this year (2020) I'm still very stressed about having to apply to colleges in a few months, so thank you so much for this video it really helps.
Thank you for the compliment. You may want to check out my website and specifically my video course and book...ONLY $24.99 and extremely helpful and way more detailed than my youtube videos. Just a thought. :) Thanks again....best of luck... and "dancing sun" is a really cool name. www.WriteToCollege.com
im in my final year at UofT and using this for advice on my MA personal statements. thank you sooooo muchhh. i’m glad you weren’t afraid to say the truth. A lot of the times professors try not to offend u and give generic advice which i see right through /:. Now going to go binge watch all your other videos and hope I get in somewhere
LOL Don't freak out. Watch the 4 minute teaser on the video course and my book. They will help you considerably. I promise you. And for ONLY $24.99 Don't panic :)
@@ARMYALEX1869 i got accepted in devry if that counts. I wrote and summited in an hour, i had applied online maybe it was a different essay from what is being talked about here tho 🤷♂️ (i think i did i just need to give them my LES transcripts and a couple other things) also my CAC (common access card) card was locked because i typed my pin wrong to many times and i couldnt get my les with in a couple weeks and i told them i could have it in a day but i backed out they kept hitting me with you "you have been randomly selected and you need to provide proof of identity" or "we couldnt get your GED could because of a 3rd party" or something like that (yes i have a ged my total score was 639 which is about a 3.6 GPA for highschool didnt help my 1sgt and Psgt were on my ass 24/7 wasnt worth it in the wnd had no time wgen i was in my unit
@@ARMYALEX1869 i was in and i did get it fixed 2weeks later cuz my coc wanted to dick around b4 letting me go (it wasnt until i needed my cac card useable for THEM did they help me get it fixed) btw the place i needed to go was i shit u not; not even 80m from my fucking company and not even 30 meters from my barracks. Coc makes or breaks a person when it comes to re-upping for the military prove me wrong people of this comment section
my senior year is starting tomorrow and i feel like restarting all my essays. i've honestly felt horrible the past week and as if im a failure in everything i do but this video kind of made me feel more confident???? even though i have to restart like all my essays, i have more confidence than i had before, so that's good i guess LOL
You will be FINE. The admission person is reading your essay in literally TWO MINUTES> He just wants to get a sense of YOU. That's it. Breathe...relax.... and if you are really concerned, you can buy my book and read all the examples which should probably give you more confidence. College Application Essays - Stand Out- Get In by Randy Levin :) BEST OF LUCK
Well said. To the point and straight forward. My daughter and I watched this video together. Thank you. She got it - now!!!!! When I was telling her a few of these very things - I got the eyeroll. Keep doing what you do. Our kids need this. Thanks again.
Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it. I understand the parent thing too. When it comes time for MY twin girls, I will probably have to hire someone because they won't listen to me. :) BTW....my book and video course are REALLY detailed and even more helpful. Only $24.99 You can email me if interested. BEST OF LUCK Randy@WriteToCollege.com
I think I feel that the underlying ideas behind these points is "authenticity". Making no University feel like "it is just an option", and that you really care for it to got through the content and the program to understand what you want to sign up for. To be realistic and show imperfection that you just don't have everything going well in life and that you made mistakes and that you learned from them. That you don't need to fit yourself to be a perfect model to be recognized as "unique". As an international student, apply to US Universities has been anxiety process. What should I write, would that person, so far away even care, or that I see so many others write like this, and even though I also don't feel like writing like this is the right thing to do, should I still?
Hi, I am very thankful for this video, you relentless wit combined with myriads of jokes as well as plethora of humour inspired me to become a great leader and want to make a difference. Thus I shall return to my huble abode so as to hone my hardworking skills as well as mourn over my pet jellyfish's death, which, may I add, only sparked my thirst for knowledge.
I'm so sad and mad that I JUSY encountered this video THE DAY BEFORE MY APPS ARE DUE!!!! Your delivery is so hilarious and your advices are so helpful! I would spend so much less time revising my essay if only I had watched your video earlier😭!!
@@namonamc THANK YOU. Feel free to tell 11th graders about me.... especially my one-on-one service and my book and video course!!!!!! :) Where are you located?
I won’t even go into the details about how I stumbled on this video but if you’re still doing this in 5 years when my son is in high school, I will definitely be seeking out your services!
I’m applying to eight colleges for a BFA in theater, including Carnegie Mellon, Juilliard, and CalArts. Could you maybe do a video on performing arts apps and essays? Also your humor is very cool grandpa and I love it 😎
Grandpa? WOW. That hurts. I was actually a drama major back in the day. Later, when I taught high school I also directed the plays. There is NOTHING different in the way to approach your essays. It's the same whether you are a physics major or dance major. Plus many schools rely heavily on the auditions. The essay process and content is the same!
thank you so much, this video ROCKS! i have been stressing out since the beginning of junior year thinking about applications.. lol. so hilarious and helped me to relax and focus on what to include in my essays :)
This is great. Thank you..only change is that as someone who will be applying to grad school for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology...always apply to at least 15 places, it's too competitive now unfortunately
Thank you for making this video! I learned so much and you saved me from writing about some verrry cliche and boring topics which before watching this, I thought were so profound and ingenious lol.
Thank you so much for the kind comments. If it was helpful, please go to my website and check out my book and video course. I made them incredibly affordable and they are extremely helpful. You can even watch my video on them. $24.99 you get a LOT and detailed help for everything. THANKS AGAIN
The unstated extra points of advice in this critical top tier video: Being rude and abrasive is what sets someone apart. Having knowledge or experience in a field means it is appropriate to be rude and abrasive. Rude and abrasive also means not generic. Got it.
Not sure why I'm responding but your interpretation of my video makes zero sense. It's absolutely inaccurate to the point that I can't imagine you were actually listening. It's a bit frightening that it's what you walked away with. Also not sure why you would bother subscribing to my channel if that's what you think.
To be honest, I'm applying to a school that almost everyone considers too high of an achievement for myself. Which, considering it's famous and I don't have perfect grades is not a stretch by any sense of the imagination. However, I know I can get in based off of the essay. I mean, it doesn't help that grades are nearly impossible to maintain when you are emotionally destroyed and have ADHD and Depression but do not receive any help until it is far too late for your grades.
It's true...and he did end up there too (once we deleted that line) If you are applying to competitive schools, I suggest you watch my video about my video course and book. REALLY inexpensive and incredibly detailed and helpful. A LOT cheaper than my one-on-one service :) BEST OF LUCK
LOL Thanks. If you are applying to college, my book is based on my videos so it's funny but really, really informative with many specific essay examples. It's available in soft cover ($12USD) and ebook ($8.99USD) Email me and I can send you details. Randy@WriteToCollege.com
That's really nice of you to say. THANK YOU. If you watch my book and video course video on my youtube channel or go to my website and look at the book and video course info..... It's even more helpful....especially if you are applying to competitive colleges. www.writetocollege.com BEST OF LUCK
@@RandyLevin Thank you very much. I will check out all the resources. Just one video has given me so much insight! I am confident that I will find your resources very helpful.
Thank you. I really appreciate it. FYI: If you watch the video about my video course and book, they are extremely helpful and really inexpensive. Best of Luck
THANK YOU. If you go to my website and check out the book tab, my book which is based on the videos has MANY MANY specific examples with commentary. Best of Luck www.WriteToCollege.com
This is actually kind of sad because I realized I've been trying WAY too hard to show myself through my essay. I think I'm going to try my hand at writing about how I love my job at Kohls lol
I applied to Princeton and thank God I used the show rather than tell approach. I really hope I am going to get accepted. The decision is in Dec 15. I can't wait. 😭😭 it's my dream school syksjsiwjs
This help a lot thank you. I had just watched another video of something similar to this, and it; well didnt put my nevers in the right place you could say.
LOL. I didn't say it's not a word....I said to not use thus, myriad or plethora. As far as you being British....I apologize on behalf of all Americans for what we did to the English language.
THANK YOU!!!! If you are applying to highly competitive schools, my video course and book are even more helpful. Check out my video about it here on RU-vid or on my website www.WriteToCollege.com
THANK YOU. That was really nice of you. If you found that helpful, I promise you that you will LOVE my book. Go to my website, WriteToCollege.com and the book tab. It's based on the video but with tons of actual essay examples and my commentary. BEST OF LUCK
This is brilliant. Thank you. Sadly, as a non-native speaker of English, I didn't know 'Thus' sounds so pretentious in the U.S. (though I still got into Stanford)
In the phrasing part when he said, "Nobody talks this way," I was slightly frustrated because I actually kind of talk that way especially when I'm doing my best to articulate an idea. Honestly it's a problem, but then I don't think I should change what is natural to me though? Or idk
You will hate my answer..... try to find a balance. The way you wrote the question to me is perfect. But if you need to throw in a few 20 words..... I'm sure I just confused you more. Just be YOU
I liked the video and I found it very helpful. But I got a question, I'm from Mexico and I want to apply to Stanford, most people have told me to include my Latina background on my essay but I'm not sure if I should do it (I'm proud of my heritage and all but I think probably most of the international students will be writing similar things about how being of certain country has made them special and things like that), should I follow the advice and make my essay about my ethnicity? Or should I make it about something else like the birth of my brother, that time I went to France on academic exchange or even the biggest failure in my life and how it has helped me grow as a person?
Hi, Pasita. I am also applying from outside of the US (but I am a domestic applicant because I have US citizenship), and you will not believe how many international students talk about their "multi-cultural identity." For a top school like Stanford, I would advise you to write an essay other than that. It will definitely distinguish you from the other Latino applicants. Good luck!
