Essay Writing for Teenagers: A Guide for Aspiring University Candidates

As a teenager aspiring to attend university, you might have heard a lot about the importance of writing essays in the application process. But what kind of essays should you write as a 13-year-old? It’s never too early to start exploring your thoughts and ideas through the written word, and in this guide, we will explore how you can prepare for the future by practicing your essay writing skills now.

Common App Essay Prompts and Tips

Many universities use the Common Application to simplify the admissions process. The essay prompts for this year are designed to give you a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and future aspirations. Here are a few first-year essay prompts to consider:

What's your story? Think about what experiences have shaped you and made you who you are today. This doesn't have to be a dramatic or tragic story; it could be a simple yet meaningful event or realization that has had a lasting impact on you. Your Values and Community Impact Share with the admissions committee what values are important to you and how you might bring your unique perspective and skills to the university community. Exploring Interests and Goals Reflect on your future aspirations and share what you hope to achieve in your academic and personal life. This could include specific career paths, academic achievements, or personal goals.

The Importance of Essay Writing

Writing essays, whether for university applications or simply for fun, is an invaluable skill to develop. Essays allow you to:

Compare and contrast ideas Weigh in on important topics Present a unique perspective of the world

Most academic essays have a clear thesis statement, often introduced early in the essay. To help you understand this structure, you might want to visit the Purdue OWL Writing Lab for more information.

Reading and Writing: A Dynamic Process

Reading and writing go hand in hand. While it’s important to read essays, you don’t need to limit yourself to just that. The more you read, the more you will understand different styles, voices, and viewpoints, which will enhance your own writing skills. Similarly, the more you write, the more proficient you will become in expressing your thoughts and ideas.

There are plenty of resources available online for reading essays. Teen Ink, a magazine by teens for teens, offers a wide range of personal essays and memoirs. You can explore the nonfiction section to find inspiring stories and examples to guide your own writing.

Beyond essays, you can read a variety of materials, from books to online articles, and write about what you see, experience, and think about the world around you. By cultivating these habits now, you will be well-prepared for the rigors of higher education and the academic essays you will encounter in the future.

Conclusion

Writing essays is not just about meeting the requirements for university applications; it's about unlocking a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration. By starting early, you can build a strong foundation for your future academic and personal growth. So, pick up a pen and start writing today – and remember, reading more can only help enhance your writing skills.