Creating Optimism in a Common Application Essay Personal Statement

 Creating Optimism �� 

In writing classes, it is common practice to establish  

tone in your narrative writing. Finding and establishing the  

right tone can express perspective, it can entice feelings in  

your readers, and it can leave a marked impression.  

So, how do we establish tone and stay consistent? Well, it is  

all about choosing the right words to express yourself and  

implanting them throughout your piece. The best tone for a  

college essay is, by far, an optimistic one. David Berry, a  

columnist for more than thirty years, found that, “One of the  

cornerstones of my advice to college applicants about  

writing application essays has always been to make an  

admissions officer smile, and you are halfway home.”  

Tones to avoid: condesension, self aggrandizing, sarcasm 

Optimistic words to incorporate: convivial, warm, sanguine,  

reverent, buoyant 

by Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

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