How important is the college essay?
As with most of the college application process, there
is no absolute answer. Sorry, wish we could offer more
help
there. What we can tell you is that it is very rare that
a student will be accepted or rejected solely based on
the essay. For most colleges the essay is extremely important
when reviewing an application of a marginal, or not the
top
candidate in the application pool. Remember that a fantastic
essay cannot make up for a poor high school transcript,
but it can be a decisive factor when a decision could go
either
way. Whether you think you’ll be top contender
for an acceptance or not, try to submit your best writing
piece
that you can!
Do I choose the topic?
Most colleges will present students with a choice of topics,
where as some will leave you to choose your own. This is
an opportunity to impress those reviewing your file. Choose
wisely! What you choose to write about will reveal your creativity,
personality and value system. Try not to be flat, but make
this essay interesting! You should be able to reflect the
energy and enthusiasm that you have for this chosen topic.
You want to (and might need to) stand out from other students.
Write about something that interests you, this will make
it easier and more fun.
Always, always, always have a person close to you read
your essay. Choose a person who knows you well and won’t
be shy to share criticism. You need honesty! Ask them
if this does, in fact, reflect your level of enthusiasm.
Does
your true personality shine through? Is the essay exciting
to read or did they find it to be ordinary or even boring?
Etc.
How long should my essay be?
This always seems to be the first concern of those applying
to college. No worries! We’re not talking about a 10-page
research paper on the history of office management. Usually
colleges and universities are expecting a 300-500 word piece.
This is a page and a half double-spaced. Some will specify
how long they’d like an essay to be while others
will not. In either case you must remember to make yours
fun,
fascinating, and appropriate in length. College admissions
counselors read several essays a day. You want them to
enjoy reading yours. You want them to remember reading
yours.
Tips for Writing the Perfect College Essay
- Get Personal - Colleges are interested in
learning more about you. If the essay you are attempting
to create
asks
you to, “Write
about a significant person in your life and how they
have influenced you” try to write about that person
and yourself. Let’s say you choose to write about
your grandmother. She has sacrificed so much for yourself
and
your siblings. That’s great! What a wonderful
person to write about! Wrap it up and give her a copy
for Christmas!
But remember not to write the entire essay on your
lovely grandmother but about how she’s influenced
your values, your goals, or yourself as a future
collegiate student.
- Proofread- Do whatever it takes to be sure
that the essay
you submit to colleges is perfect! They should
not have any spelling or grammatical errors. If you’re
comfortable with an English teacher at your school
they may be
your best resource to revise your work.
- Get Creative-
Remember that you want to be remembered. You want
your essay to stand out from all the others. Really
take time to explore your topic, think beyond the
obvious, be reflective and be yourself!
- Type It- This may sound
obvious to some. However, if you don’t have access
to a computer at home do what you can to find a way
to type your work. This will
make for great
presentation.
- Handle Sensitive Subjects Appropriately-
Encourage yourself to be honest and direct but do so
within the boundaries
of good taste.
- Begin Early- Try to not leave this part of the application
to the last minute. Give yourself the opportunity
to put your essay aside, and then go back to it to be
sure
that
what you’ve said is what you actually want
to say. Admissions counselors will notice if this
exercise
was
rushed or hurried. You do not want to be sloppy!
- Looking
for Feedback? Click
here to email your essay to The Center for College
Planning; we are, as they say,
the gurus of college admission essays! (Please
include the question
that you are answering so we can better serve
you.)
