Grab the reader’s attention: Don’t be afraid to experiment with an opening sentence or two that make the reader want to ask, “What’s next? This is kind of interesting so far…” Bring on surprise, mystery; describe the landscape; use sensory input. Use adjectives! Perhaps starting out with a very specific, narrowly focused opening sentence will allow you to expand and generalize as you write on.
Clearly develop and organize your ideas: If you introduce and important idea, reflect upon it. Show that your wheels are turning by means of that reflection.
Structure and topic should reflect the essay prompt: Some schools provide a lot of latitude in your response to a prompt. Many prompts want you to explain what you think you’ll bring to the school. Keep in mind all the details you remember about the school. Address the prompt. Don’t try to change the prompt to fit an essay you’d like to write or have already written for another school.
Style and Mechanics: Voice: The reader should unconsciously hear your “voice” in your writing through strong/appropriate diction, a sophisticated syntax (variety of sentence structures to emphasize certain ideas, to tell a story, to move the reader along), and natural transitions.
Carefully edit: Make sure that you've edited your draft before sending it to us. Avoid elementary grammar and punctuation errors that detract from your message.
No need to repeat the full name of the school over and over. Remember who your reader is, after all! This also holds true for specific programs or building names on a campus. The reader is already quite familiar with them.
From the desk of Alicia Sigur, The Core Edge Prep Blog