"Never stop to look back, to cross something out, to wonder how to spell something, to wonder what word or thought to use, or to think about what you are doing."[1]
Before you begin the formal writing process for any essay, much less your personal statement, it's a great idea to warm up for the outlining process by doing a 30-minute free-writing exercise.
Applying to college can be stressful, so simplify your life and don't overthink your writing! Our 5 tips will put in you in the mindset to write freely, as well as offer some remedies, if you suffer from writer’s block.
1) Set yourself up and get comfy.
- Be Generous. Give yourself lots of space and the writing tools you are most comfortable with - paper, pen, computer.
- We recommend using pen and paper as you can freely scribble across a page, but it’s up to you.
- Stay hydrated. Keep a glass of water so close by so you don’t run dry (physically, and mentally, too).
- Turn off your cell phone and disconnect your WIFI, so that you are distraction-free.
2) Write it all down.
- Everything and anything is worth writing down during this exercise.
- Do not erase or cross out anything.
- Do not fix grammatical errors or replace words with “better” vocabulary.
- Your job is to capture your thought on the page, not improve them.
3) Let your mind wander. It is OK.
- If your mind wanders to a movie you’re hoping to see, a sports event, or whatever makes you tick, write it down.
- Don’t force your thoughts in any direction.
- Follow your stream of consciousness (if you are unfamiliar with this term, look it up) and record your ideas.
- Keep your hand moving as you daydream, even if it’s to scribble.
4) If you really get stuck…
- Make yourself a list of artificial prompts: an image, a quote or a goal.
- Take a short break and look at some photographs (not on Facebook! The internet should be off limits, remember?).
- Read a paragraph from your favorite book.
- Turn on music to wake yourself up. Once your blood is pumping, turn it off
[1] Elbow, Peter. Writing Without Teachers. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998 (2nd Edition).
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