Jon L. answered 01/16/21
Learning how to communicate effectively is a lifelong superpower.
So, if you approach this task in a purely academic way, the assignment is right here:
You are presenting yourself, your training, profession, enthusiasm, accomplishments.
And that can be the takeaway, and what you aim for. But you really need to think about two other factors when it comes to college essays. And think about them before you write your first word.
- Your audience - Your essay is going to be one of the dozens, if not hundreds, that cross this particular admissions professional's deck. Keep that person top of mind when thinking about the topics you cover. Are they unique? Are they actually adding something completely new, valuable, and novel to your application? Will they be something the person reading them will remember so well that they'd bring it up when they meet you when you enroll?
- Your tone - The ask is to present your training, your profession, and your enthusiasm. And you can do that by just telling them. Go ahead and list the courses you took and what you specialize in and why that area excites you. But that gets you stacked in the "maybe" pile with everyone else who has similar credentials. Show that enthusiasm instead. With the words you choose. The way your sentences come together. Present your unique personality in the way you write, not just the content. That's what makes the reader feel something. And them, feeling something at the end of your essay, is what gets you to the top of the pile.
Want to talk more about it? Schedule a session with me.