College Application Essays... again

Many seniors are in the middle of working on writing their college application essays. As each student who has gone before you can attest, it is not an easy process. Most of the times high school students are used to writing essays about someone or something else. Focusing on you and what makes you unique can be daunting. I have to be honest, I also find it fascinating. I love seeing what you come up with and how you introduce yourself to the admissions committee through your essay. As I have mentioned before, you need to be sure that you are answering the question, that you are showing (and not just telling), and above everything else, that the reader will learn something about you!

For those of you who might be struggling to come up with essay ideas, the first step is definitely self reflection. I have heard hints to think of the essay as your written interview or as a first date in that you want to tell them the good stuff that makes you special. The more specific you can get in your essay the better off you will be. Generalized claims are simply not as effective. A stronger essay would focus on introducing who you are – what you think, believe, feel, and how you act – through a specific detailed experience. As you work to brainstorm potential topic ideas while also narrowing your topic to something detailed and specific, perhaps these questions will help give you ideas to get you thinking…

- How has this experience changed you?
- Why was this experience meaningful to you?
- How have your experiences shaped your character?
- What is significant to you about being involved in the activities or receiving the honors or awards?
- How have your activities or experiences impacted you personally?
- List 5 key personality traits and how they have helped you in various situations
- What is your personal motto in life? How did you come to this?
- Traits/ Stories/ Examples of “That is so you” moments
- Has any experience changed your perspective or challenged your beliefs?

Once again, remember, it is important to get specific as it is often the small things or experiences in our lives that have a big impact on how we feel, think or act.

As you are probably aware, I spend a lot of time reading college admissions information so that I have the most current information to be able to share with you. Since college essays are a hot topic for seniors all over the country, there have been a lot of recent articles with hints about writing these essays. Below is a list of some of these essays that I thought you might enjoy. Well, at least you would enjoy if you are procrastinating and trying to avoid actually writing your college essays! :-)

Writing the Essay – Sound Advice from an Expert

Some of the More Mundane Moments in Life Make Great Essays

Writing your way into college

Common App Essay Tips

The College Essay as an Early Memoir

Best College Admission Video Essays

Feel Free. Be Yourself. It’s the only Marketing Device that can Work.

What should students NEVER write about in their college essays?

Personal Statement Tip: A Core Concept is Central to Essay Success

Supplemental Essays- Yes They Are Important

A Video on Writing the Essay