Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brennan Barnard writes about the nuances of college admission. If you are looking for the “secret formula” for writing a “winning” ...

Writing a college essay is a rite of passage for many students applying to attend a college or university in the United States. Although each institution has its own application requirements, most ...

Think and reflect deeply before you write. Choose a topic that will reveal you and your passions. Personal hardship or trauma may not be your strongest topic. For many prospective students, applying ...

Why it matters: A strong, focused essay topic gives your writing energy, direction, and a clear thesis — while a weak one can stall you from the start. From broad to sharp: Avoid vague themes like ...

Grades and test scores may measure a student's academic potential, but those factors fail to capture his or her personality. That's where the college essay comes in. The college essay offers students ...

Science topics can feel dull when people face them in essays, but creativity changes that. Students often search for ways to hold a reader’s attention, especially when handling research or complex ...