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www.FredParent.NET • 13 Get Clear in Your essay When working on the essay portion of your application, Luck also recommends setting aside time to brainstorm before starting to write. "take a moment to get your thoughts together so you can make sure that you're coming across as clear as possible and as structured as possible," he says. Once you think you've got a good draft, let someone else look at it. What makes sense to you may not make sense to others. Additionally, George Mason University Admissions Counselor Casey Catlin suggests using specificity in each individual essay you write. it's better to "mention the institution you're applying for and the reasons you specifically want to attend said school in your per- sonal statement, rather than copying and pasting the same generic essay into all of your applica- tions," Catlin says. Lastly, make sure to read the question carefully and respond appropriately. "you would be surprised at the number of responses we get that really aren't answering the questions that we want to know," says Luck. Stand out with Your uniqueness Finally, approach your application with the mindset that everyone you're up against is a strong student. Keeping this mindset will push you to think outside the box, which is exactly the sort of thinking you need since many kids applying will have similar volunteer experience and academic aptitude to your own. you want to demon- strate through your essay, and through your application in general, that you have something special to offer. tell your story, but take special care to showcase what sets you apart from the rest. Maybe you did some research on a foreign animal species, created art to raise aware- ness for autism, or perhaps you have an invention going through the patent process—these are all along the lines of what admissions officers are looking for. "It's not rocket science," Luck says. "We want strong stu- dents who have taken good courses, have performed well in those courses, and value what we have to offer." It's not rocket science... " Mention this add for 10% off your accessory purchase. Expires Sept. 30, 2016.