Carefully read the essay instructions so that you are clear on what type of response the college expects. Highlight the key points that you must cover throughout your letter. Make a list of any specific questions you must answer, key points you wish to address, or achievements you want to highlight. Refer to the list while you write to make sure that you are staying on track. A letter that disregards the college's requests will likely be cast aside.
Locate important documents such as your résumé, letters of recommendation, awards and honors. Rereading these materials will give you a holistic, objective view of your key achievements. Keep these in front of you as you write.
Find an angle. Anticipate what the college is looking for in a student and ask yourself the big questions. The college wants to know who you are and where you came from, what you learned about yourself along the way, and what difficulties you overcame. They also want to know that you can identify your strengths and how you will apply them to your future. A positive ending with a keen insight will show the college that you are an introspective, intelligent individual.
Create a memorable introduction. Grab the reader's attention with a quote, anecdote, or statement that otherwise confronts the reader. Mention the specific school and program that you are applying to with the letter. The intro serves as the foundation of the paper, and should be an exciting hint of what is to folllow.
Form a strong body. Basic points that should be covered in the body paragraphs are your qualifications, achievements and goals. Find a way to merge your answers with the college's values and explain why you are a good fit with the program.
Tie it all together. Stress your enthusiasm about the program and briefly summate key points you made in the body paragraphs. A solid ending will leave the admissions board with a positive impression.