College Essay Tips

Reading the essays is the only time the admissions officer hears from student in their own voice!  Essays give the student the chance to share what is unique about them, what is important in their life, and what is meaningful to them.   This is the one place where students can be themselves. Here are some tips to make the best use of this opportunity through your personal statement essay.

•  Use your authentic voice.

• Think about everything the person reading your application will know about you (grades, classes, scores, activities). Then figure out what is missing. What don’t they know that is an important part of who you are?

• Create a compelling opening statement

  • Grab attention of admissions officers.

  • Introduce topic so the reader wants to know more.

  • Draw the reader into the essay.

  • Talk about what prompted an interest in this subject?

• Body 

  • Show what you are writing about.  Include descriptions of sensations, action, dialogue, sounds, sights, etc.  

  • Show the reader what happened.

  • Be sure that you are writing about something that happened recently, not when you were much younger. They want to know about your 16 or 17 year old self.

• Conclusion 

  • Write a meaningful conclusion.

  • Last line of essay is the lasting impression.

  • Tie the essay to your future self and how college fits into that.

• Do’s and don’ts

  • Grammar is important.

  • Be yourself!

  • Do write about what you know.

  • Show important aspects of personality – sense of humor, etc.

  • Do be creative at times.  (Ex.  Why Us Essay – write it from the perspective of you at your five year reunion talking about all the great things you did at the school).

  • Use natural language.

  • Write in same manner that you speak.

  • Don’t exaggerate – this will backfire!

  • Don’t share something that you’ve never shared before.

  • Don’t brag.

  • Share what you gained from an experience and how its changed you.

  • Focus on a life lesson not just an accomplishment.

  • Don’t choose a topic that shows your ‘privilege’ (ex. horseback riding, world travel, etc.)

  • Avoid religion and politics if at all possible.  Think about who will be reading the essay and have that person in mind as you write it.

  • Assume the reader will ask the question ‘Would I want to go to school with this person?’ and write accordingly.

  • Don’t write about dysfunctional family situations.