How To Beat Writer’s Block & Compose Your Admissions Essay
There you are just staring at your computer screen, the cursor continually blinking, taunting you. Minute by minute you can feel the frustration and sense of being overwhelmed growing. You just can’t seem to find the inspiration to write your college admission essay.
Any number of things might be causing your writer’s block— excessive self-criticism, fear of how your writing will compare to other students, or trying to write at the wrong time of day, the list goes on. Regardless of where your writer’s block stems from, you can certainly get your creative juices flowing and an acceptance-worthy essay crafted.
Ivy Link’s team of tutors and experts compiled a shortlist of tips to help students get out of their writing rut and on the track to writing success.
1. Realize You’re Not Alone
Even the greatest writers like Hemingway and Maya Angelou suffered from writer’s block. It’s important to recognize what you are feeling isn’t unusual or uncommon. For more information on how world-famous writers have overcome their writer’s block, check out this blog post by Nicole Bianichi titled “5 Famous Authors’ Strategies For Overcoming Writers Block”.
2. Brainstorm
Often the best way to start an admissions essay (or any kind of writing) is by sketching out ideas so that you can pick the direction you’re most excited about and the ideas you are most inspired by. Spend some time reviewing the essay prompts and jotting down some ideas. They don’t need to be fully detailed or even concise right now, just let your brain go wild and you’ll be amazed at what you might tap into!
3. Change Your Environment
A simple change of scenery can be just what your brain needs to allow your ideas to blossom and come to fruition. Head to a coffee shop, a library, or even just another room in your house if you can. This new environment will give you a fresh perspective and could be exactly what you need to combat your writer’s block.
4. Unplug
That means no Instagram, no Facebook, no television, no text alerts, or SportsCenter notifications. Allow yourself to be completely immersed in the process of writing. You can reconnect later, but social media is one of the most prevalent distractors for the writing process. The text and calls will still be there when you’re done writing, the opportunity to get into your Ivy of choice might not.
5. Take A Break
Breaking through your writer’s block might be as easy as, well, taking a break. Step away from your writing for a bit and try enjoying another creative outlet— read a book or listen to some music or go for a run. This time away may help to relieve the stress of writing and inspire you to put pen to paper.
Still not feeling inspired? This blog post from Stanford University, 7 Ways for Students to Overcome Writer's Block | The College Puzzle also offers some great suggestions on how to get those creative gears moving. If you or your student are still struggling with writer’s block after putting these tips to play, Ivy Link can help! Our team of experts and tutors can guide you through the process. Our College App Fast-Track Package might be exactly what you need to get that essay written and your application submitted. Click below to schedule a consultation and learn more.
