Most high school students who are applying to college start out by completing The Common Application that is accepted by more than 900 colleges. It requires one essay, and students can choose from a variety of topics or one of their own creation.
A recent article in U.S. News & World Report offered essay writing advice from college admissions experts to help students get started on this somewhat intimidating task. “Students should narrow their focus and write about a specific experience, hobby or quirk that reveals something personal, like how they think, what they value, or what their strengths are,” according to an admissions expert.
“Many memorable essays focus on ordinary topics, including fly-fishing, a student’s commute to and from school, and a family’s dinner conversations,” added another counselor. Additional writing tips emphasize the importance of being concise, coherent, congenial, honest, and accurate.
Unlike SAT scores and high school transcripts, the essay offers students a chance to showcase their personality and share with admissions officers anything they would particularly like them to know.
In addition to getting to know a student through the Common App essay, colleges also seek to assess an applicant’s natural writing ability and suitability for admission. Many colleges, including almost all of the most competitive institutions, also require one or more supplementary essays addressing specific questions. Often the topic revolves around why the student is applying to that particular college, allowing the admissions team to assess the student’s interest in, and potential match for, their institution.
Colleges are well aware that students typically apply to several schools, and they favor those students who will likely attend, if accepted. So students should utilize supplementary essays as a chance to demonstrate their interest in the particular college, and should specifically state the programs, courses, internships, study abroad opportunities, and any other characteristics that make the institution a perfect match for their college ambitions. Students should exercise care to ensure that all their essays are well written, grammatically correct, and offer information that is not evident in other parts of their application.
It’s never too early for students to start brainstorming topics that might lend themselves to thought-provoking and powerful essays. College admissions people read hundreds, and even thousands, of essays, so it’s important to write one that’s memorable.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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