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It is entirely possible that you are a whiz at math or a mad scientist, and writing just isn’t your forte. If this is true, the college essay may be all that much more intimidating. So let’s give your essay some thought before you begin to put words on paper.

Here are some ways to take your brilliant ideas and eventually come up with an essay. Which one sounds best to you?

 Get a tape recorder and tell what you would like to have in your essay. Consider this your first draft. Listen to it and refine it and when it centers on what you want to say, either type it as you listen or ask someone else to transcribe it for you.

 Sit down and talk to your parents or a special friend about your response to the essay question or topic. As you speak, have that person make a list or an outline of what points you mention. Once you have a basic roadmap, it can be easier to start writing the essay.

 Find some friends who are writers and ask for their tips, ideas and suggestions. Have one of them tutor you through the process as you write the essay.

 Get some books from the library that have sample essays and see if you can use them as inspiration.

 Ask your English teacher for some guidance in putting your ideas on paper.

 Check to see if the college you are applying to allows for some flexibility in the format of your essay. If so, you might be able to write it as a lab report or some other format that feels more comfortable to you. You might also see if a college will accept a verbal essay rather than a written one.

 Write the essay as best you can and then let someone who writes very well go over it for suggestions, corrections and revisions.