Kathy L. Hahn - The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays: Step-by-Step Instructions

The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays

Step-by-Step Instructions

By Kathy L. Hahn & Colleen M. Loew

The Complete Guide to Writing Effective College Applications & Essays: Step-By-Step Instructions

Copyright 2008 by Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-221-4

ISBN-10: 1-60138-221-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hahn, Kathy Lynn, 1957

The complete guide to writing effective college applications & essays

: step-by-step instructions by Kathy Lynn Hahn

and Colleen M. Loew.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-221-4 (alk. paper)

ISBN-10: 1-60138-221-9 (alk. paper)

1. College applications--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Loew, Colleen

M., 1973- II. Title.

LB2351.5.H34 2008

378.1616--dc22

2008032593

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Table of Contents

Author Acknowledgments

Kathy L. Hahn

I love to write. It is my greatest passion, and I have never felt anything more satisfying than dotting that last i or crossing that final t, knowing I have produced something of worth that will help or entertain others. In reality, there is nothing I would rather do than make a full list of everyone who has helped me along the way not only to write this book, but whose influence in my life has made it possible for me to be sitting here today, but this is a good start, and I thank you all:

To start, my mother, born LaVerne A. Cordrey, who passed away over 20 years ago, but who first allowed me to foster the dream of authorship when I was a child.

Joan Lasko, an incredibly special woman whose optimism, energy, encouragement, and four college-educated children have helped significantly in developing this book.

Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Spencer, who I knew first as a literature instructor, then professional mentor/colleague and friend at Cincinnati State, has been the most instrumental influence in my higher education since my return to college in 2003.

Other education-related mentors I should mention: Drs. Tyrone Williams, Christina Fisanick, Norman Finklestein, Jodi Wyett, and Grayley Herren, all of Xavier University; Eileen Andrews, Connie Campbell, Joyce Rimlinger, Sait Tarhan, and Drs. Jean Timberlake, Andrea Leslie and Ronald Craig, and also all of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

Sandi Tarr-Brown, Bambi A. Goodman and Christine Cotting for helping me develop the skills to be able to put myself out there as a professional editor.

Everyone else (two- and four-legged) who has been a friend, colleague, or student, for enriching my life and, in turn, enhancing my writing ability.

Kathy L. Hahn, July 17, 2008

Colleen M. Loew

I dedicate this to my Dad, who is always there for me, through the good times and the bad.

Foreword

A DECISION THAT WILL IMPACT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

As a college professor who has actively been involved in recruiting students and as a Web site publisher who provides resources to help students find colleges and universities that are a good fit, I am keenly aware of how important a decision it is for high school students and their families when it comes to apply to college.

Over the years, I have literally talked with thousands of college-bound students, and am pleased to both offer some words of wisdom about applying to college as well as provide an endorsement for this wonderful book.

While more and more high school students are attending college than ever before, its still a privilege that deserves your full attention, as well as a great deal of time and effort. It is certainly a decision you should not take lightly.

While you may be feeling a great deal of stress about what colleges to apply to, where you might best fit in, and which schools will accept you, the good news is that youve decided to attend college. I dont want to say where you attend is not important because it is but the bigger picture is about the importance of obtaining a college education. Studies show that college grads have much higher earning potential than those with just a high school diploma and in general, leader better, longer, and healthier lives.