Essays are truly an integral part of any student’s college application and are often the most personalized. They are an opportunity for students to speak in their own voices, express their passions, and stand apart from the crowd. Essays are also used by admissions officers to judge writing quality and how the student will contribute to the campus community, so students should invest time and care into all the written pieces of their application.
Writing an essay can be daunting for students, especially if they are not very experienced writers and are uncertain of how to write about their topic or even what topic to write about. Here are some helpful tips on how to tackle that college essay and maybe even have some fun along the way:
Know what sort of essay you’re writing: There are several different types of writing you may be asked to do as part of your college application. The main one is the 650-word Common Application essay, which will be submitted to (almost) every college that uses the Common App platform. It is your chance to introduce yourself and write about what matters to you. Try to avoid generic stories–i.e., here is what losing a sports game taught me–and tell a story that matters to you while revealing who you are and what sets you apart.
Other types of writing you may be asked to do fall under the category of supplemental essays and are unique to every college you’re applying to. A common one is the “why this college” essay, but you may also need to write an essay about your academic interests, how you’ve given back to your community or your unique identity. Supplemental essays are as important and, at times, more important than the Common Application essay. They’re often read before the Common Application essay and by more admissions officers.
Plan ahead: Writing can be intimidating, especially The Common App essay. However, starting early (we believe the best time is the summer before senior year) and having a clear purpose in mind can help. First, think about what you want to accomplish with your essay: what will admissions officers already know about you from other parts of your application and what would you like to share with them? If you’re uncertain about what to write about, think about your core values. Having something is always better than having a blank page. Anything you write can be edited later, so start with a free writing exercise, which is like throwing up your words on paper but doesn’t require the clean-up. Some students find it easier to dictate their thoughts than to type them.
Be authentic: It’s usually pretty apparent when a student isn’t writing in their own voice and is just writing what their parents told them to or what they think admissions officers want to hear. Write about who you are in your own style, and show how you’ve grown as a person and a student throughout high school. Everyone has their own story and their own identity.
Edit, edit, edit: Your first draft is never your final draft. Although your essay should be entirely yours, in your own voice, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. They may see something you missed or point out areas that can be cut back or expanded upon. That said, don’t let other voices drown out your own.