We have talked about this during the essay writing workshops, but in addition to your general Common App essay, you will have a COVID essay question that you will want to answer. With your COVID essay, don't forget that you can focus on the challenges or the positives that you have experienced during this pandemic. The colleges don't know what you don't tell them so they need the information in your application to help provide insight about knowing you and your life and how you approach the experiences such as this global health crisis. Some ideas that you can consider as components of this essay would be anything that explains the context of your life during COVID. Try to focus on the insight you might have developed or gained about how it impacted you, how you were able to derive meaning from it, and how it will impact you moving forward. Specific things to try to reflect on to help you in identifying topic ideas for this essay could include: How have your activities of involvement changed and how has this impacted you? What have you been doing with your time now that your activities were cancelled? Have you started any new/ different activities? How have you redirected your interests? How do you want to be different coming out of COVID? What have you done to help someone else? What struggles have you or your family experienced during COVID? Remember, colleges know that COVID didn't effect everyone in the same way, but it impacted everyone in some way so this is your chance to help frame that for them so that they can get that additional glimpse into your life.
A few reminders about your essays in general...
- What you write should align with your personality. Don't try to be someone you are not. Don't try to write about something that you think they will want to know. Be YOU!
- You are writing a story, but you must also include reflection and analysis!
- As you finish your essay and start sharing it with other people, rather than asking them if it is a good essay, ask them if it sounds like you. You can also ask what they learn about you and make sure that is what you were hoping they would learn about you too.
- Don't hesitate to dig deeper. You don't want to write a nice story, but leave them thinking "So What?" If that is the case it typically means you have forgotten to include the reflection/ analysis.
- Even though your COVID essay is shorter, remember that this doesn't necessarily mean faster or easier. Be intentional about your words and making sure they they convey you well.
- If you are writing a "Why this college essay" remember that they are not looking for facts, prestige, rankings or for you to profess your love for the college. They want to know what your past experiences have been that make you feel like you will be a good fit at this college and what experiences you hope to throw yourself into their college.
- If you are being asked about your major go beyond that it interests you and explain to them WHY it appeals to you.
- Try to be original but not gimmicky
- If you are struggling with topics I will encourage you to go back to your brainstorming worksheet. But if you are still having a hard time, try to focus on specific ideas, memories, or stories that really stick out to you about your life and especially high school and why those moments mattered to you.
Here are additional articles related to essays that might interest you:
How to write about coronavirus in college essays
What makes a personal statement great webinar
How to write supplemental college essays
Admissions officers discuss 3 common essay topics
5 ways to avoid that cringe worthy essay
Ultimate Guide to picking perfect essay topic
5 essay writing tips to get you through the fall
3 types of essays: The Good, the Bad and the Risky
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