Application Essays Outlining

Outlining

• An outline is a written plan for your writing. It may be very elaborate or very simple. Think of an outline as a road map—it shows you where your journey starts, where you’ll go along the way, and where you’ll end up if all goes well.
• A formal outline is the sort you’ve learned about in school. It has lots of numbers and letters and points and sub-points. It’s a very detailed map.
• A formal outline has its advantages:
  • It’s very detailed, so it forces you to think about your writing in detail.
  • It’s easy to write from a very detailed plan.
• A formal outline has its disadvantages, too:
  • It takes a long time to create one
  • Sometimes a too-formal outline will get you so bogged down in details that you lose the big picture.
  • Some writers find it takes the fun out of writing.
• A mnemonic outline is far less detailed—just jot down whatever you need to remember your main points. It’s like turn-by-turn directions rather than a detailed map.
• A mnemonic outline has its advantages:
  • It’s very quick to make—just jot down whatever will help you remember.
  • It gives you room to improvise.
  • It’s hard for anyone else to copy.
• A mnemonic outline has its disadvantages, too:
  • It requires less discipline
  • It has fewer details (and some writers need lots of details)
  • If you forget what your mnemonics mean, you’re in trouble.
• Use a formal outline if:
  • You need lots of details in order to stay on topic.
  • You’re not quite sure your idea will hold up.
  • You have difficulty remembering mnemonics.
  • You just feel more comfortable with the formal style.
• Use a mnemonic outline if:
  • You like to improvise a little as you write.
  • You’re certain your concept is a strong one.
  • You’re in a hurry.
  • You’re more comfortable with the mnemonic style.
• Test your outline on yourself. Imagine writing it. Can you see how it will go?
• Then test your outline on a friend. Can you explain your essay without boring or confusing your listener?
• When in doubt, choose the outline that works best for you. That’s all that matters!