50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays - 6th Edition by Gen Tanabe & Kelly Tanabe (Paperback)

About the Book

The powerful tools in this invaluable resource equip students with the skills to write successful entrance essays for top-notch universities. The strengths and weaknesses of 50 application compositions from Ivy League schools, as well as Caltech, Duke, MIT, Stanford, and University of Chicago, are analyzed in detail, highlighting techniques to emulate and mistakes to avoid.

Book Synopsis

The powerful tools in this invaluable resource equip students with the skills to write successful entrance essays for top-notch universities. The strengths and weaknesses of 50 application compositions from Ivy League schools, as well as Caltech, Duke, MIT, Stanford, and University of Chicago, are analyzed in detail, highlighting techniques to emulate and mistakes to avoid. College admission officers from some of these schools provide informative strategies and inside information on their writing assessment criteria. A comprehensive writing workshop provides tips toward selecting topics, developing stories, editing drafts, and applying finishing touches. Acknowledging that the written portion of the process is one of the most important factors for admission into highly selective schools, this helpful guidebook offers sage advice and inspiration to keep applicants on the right track.

From the Back Cover

For every open spot at an Ivy League college, there are 10 to 12 eager applicants vying for it--and you're one of them. On paper, most applicants appear the same. All are well qualified academically with high grades and test scores and solid involvement in extracurricular activities.

The essay is where you stand out. The essay is your opportunity to demonstrate why you are a perfect fit at the college, how you will contribute to the student body, and why the college should accept you over those other 11 applicants. This guide will help you craft that winning essay. You will learn:

How to select the best topic

What Ivy League admissions officers want to see in your essay

The 25 mistakes that guarantee failure

The top tips from Ivy League students on how to write a successful essay

PLUS, there are more than 50 real essays from students accepted to Ivy League colleges and MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Duke, and the University of Chicago. Each includes a complete analysis so you can see exactly what worked and even what could be improved upon.

Review Quotes

About Authors Gen and Kelly Tanabe

"As admission officers look for more subtle ways to make fine distinctions among so many qualified applicants, the personal statement, or college essay assumes growing importance. This book can help students gain the necessary edge that will make their applications stand out. Gen and Kelly Tanabe are nationally recognized experts in every facet of the college application process. They have written several books on the topic and blend humor, organization and specific real life examples with a highly readable style to assure your success."
--David Miller, Director of College Counseling, Stevenson School

"I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to your "Accepted" publication. I recently applied to Cornell University. I read your book from cover to back, wrote an essay about "Snorkeling in Okinawa" (which most people criticized), and got ACCEPTED to Cornell. Thank you very much for your help, and I'll be sure to refer this book to anyone applying to college."
--Jason Clemmey

"If you're struggling with your essays, the Tanabes offer some encouragement."
--College Bound Magazine

About the Author

Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe are the authors of 14 books including The Ultimate Scholarship Book, 1001 Ways to Pay for College and How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay. They tour the country as speakers on college planning and live in Belmont, California.