🟢Montage Structure(From
"College Essay Essentials" Page 16-19)
Montage is a technique that involves creating a new whole from separate fragments (pictures, words, music). In filmmaking, a montage is
used to condense space and time so that information can be delivered in a more efficient way.
▫️But which moments from your life should you choose? That’s something we won’t decide right this second— it’ll take some time—but it’s what will ultimately provide the building blocks for your essay. And remember that there’s no right answer to that question, since essay writing is an art, not a science.
☑️1. Make it visual. Storytelling is a visual medium. Use a lens that will help conjure images in the reader’s mind. And, by the
way, I don’t recommend writing “soundtrack” or “mix tape”
essays in which your favorite songs provide the soundtrack for your life, as the reader can’t hear the music (and often doesn’t know or have the same emotional connection as you do to the songs referenced). Be a painter— conjure some images in our mind.
☑️2. Consider using something you know a lot about. Know how
to cook? Use food. Play chess? Use that! Use your essence
objects list for ideas.
☑️3. Find a focusing lens that allows you to “go wide.” Use a
metaphor that will allow you to discuss several different aspects of who you are.
My first lesson in behavioral economics came from my
grandfather.
An experience with my dad taught me my second lesson in
behavioral economics.
But it wasn’t until I read Freakonomics that I began to actively examine the world through the lens of a behavioral
economist.
Behavioral economics has provided me with an avenue to
explore some of life’s most complex questions.
Although there are no concrete answers to these questions,
finding my passion for the social sciences has not only led
me to a potential career path, but has also brought me closer
to my family.
@gulans_blog
"College Essay Essentials" Page 16-19)
Montage is a technique that involves creating a new whole from separate fragments (pictures, words, music). In filmmaking, a montage is
used to condense space and time so that information can be delivered in a more efficient way.
▫️But which moments from your life should you choose? That’s something we won’t decide right this second— it’ll take some time—but it’s what will ultimately provide the building blocks for your essay. And remember that there’s no right answer to that question, since essay writing is an art, not a science.
Tips for Finding a Good Focusing Lens
☑️1. Make it visual. Storytelling is a visual medium. Use a lens that will help conjure images in the reader’s mind. And, by the
way, I don’t recommend writing “soundtrack” or “mix tape”
essays in which your favorite songs provide the soundtrack for your life, as the reader can’t hear the music (and often doesn’t know or have the same emotional connection as you do to the songs referenced). Be a painter— conjure some images in our mind.
☑️2. Consider using something you know a lot about. Know how
to cook? Use food. Play chess? Use that! Use your essence
objects list for ideas.
☑️3. Find a focusing lens that allows you to “go wide.” Use a
metaphor that will allow you to discuss several different aspects of who you are.
With Montage Structure…
Think of the events in a montage being linked thematically. For
example:
My first lesson in behavioral economics came from my
grandfather.
An experience with my dad taught me my second lesson in
behavioral economics.
But it wasn’t until I read Freakonomics that I began to actively examine the world through the lens of a behavioral
economist.
Behavioral economics has provided me with an avenue to
explore some of life’s most complex questions.
Although there are no concrete answers to these questions,
finding my passion for the social sciences has not only led
me to a potential career path, but has also brought me closer
to my family.
@gulans_blog