Strategies from a noted educational consultant on how to ease the pressure, ace the essay, and gain admission into your top-choice school

Getting into college has become fiercely competitive, which makes the personal-essay part of the application process even more important-and stressful. But stop worrying! In Write Your College Essay in Less Than a Day, Elizabeth Wissner-Gross-a top educational strategist in this area who counsels students at schools across the country-breaks down the harrowing ordeal of essay writing into manageable steps, leaving you with a fresh, polished, stand-out piece that admissions officers will love to read. Inside you'll find

* exercises to help you select an essay topic inspired by your most notable achievements-and winning a Nobel Prize needn't be one of them
* timed chapters (including snack breaks) to help you brainstorm, create, and critique your essay in only five hours
* sample essays and grading criteria so that you can play the admissions officer-and know what you're up against
* advice on which writing techniques will score you points-and which could potentially sink your chances

Accessible, savvy, and written with a student's needs and concerns in mind, Write Your College Essay in Less Than a Day gives you all the tools you need to compose an original, professional essay that will help you turn your dream school into a well-deserved reality.