• Topic Tip: "Since topics are always vague," says Jason Moreno of the CA-based Eureka One-on-One Review, "keep four classic books and four moments in history in your repertoire." That way, he says, you can focus on the writing.
  
  
• Writing Right: Lisa Jacobson, CEO of Inspirica, a college preparation service company, stresses some literal writing tips when it comes to writing a  

  College Essay

   . "Try to fill in all the lines on the page, but not go onto two pages," she says. "And, your handwriting is very important on this test. Be sure it's legible."
  
  
• Paragraph Plan: "Write at least four paragraphs on student essays. Each paragraph should be a stepping stone that takes your reader a step further on a journey," explains Christopher Black, director of College Hill Coaching (Greenwich, CT) and author of McGraw-Hill's SAT I. "One or two paragraphs isn't much of a journey, and it's not much of an essay."
  
  
• Back-Up Basics: "You will be graded on how well you stick to the topic at hand and make your best case in your college essay," notes Gene McKenna, director of CT-based Ace In-Home Tutoring. "Be sure to back up your reasoning with examples from literature, history, current events, or your own personal experience."
  
  
• Practice Persuasion: "Instead of arguing with your parents for a new curfew, write a persuasive proposal that presents your reasons for deserving a later night," suggests Lee Alvoid, education expert at Southern Methodist University's (Dallas, TX) Center for Teacher Education.
  
  
• The Last Word: The College Board, makers of the SAT, warns against vocabulary abuse in your college essay: "Use clear, precise, and appropriate vocabulary. Appropriate words are accurate and specific, not necessarily long and obscure."

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