How can I write an outstanding college application essay?

Question

Sing your own song in your own true voice.

Answer 1

Know the mission of the colleges where you are applying. How does your personal story match the mission/goals of the college? Work key words from their mission statement into your essay, but do not force it. Be authentic, be creative and be passionate!

Answer 2

First, you must brainstorm answers to two questions.

1) How can I differentiate myself from all other applicants with equally competitive scores (GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL)?

2) How will you add value and contribute to your campus community?

Question #1 means: What makes me unique? What is my passion?

Question #2 begins with your extracurricular activities, but you should also look on a school's website for clubs, organizations, and research opportunities that fire your interest.

Second, you must personalize and customize your essays for each school. Personalize by identifying specific professors with whom you would like to study. Customize by indicating how you will contribute to campus activities that fire your interest.

Note that you do not have to write a different essay for each college or university. You can personalize and customize a basic essay, or your first essay, by adapting it for each school.

But always remember: Sing your own song in your own true voice.

Answer 3

What Becky H said...and, understand the process! You need to do some homework to determine what role the essay plays in an admissions decision at the various schools you are applying to (depending on your list - which I hope is competitively and cost wise diverse - the weight can range from minor to significant).

Also, consider reusing the best essay (on a topic you love/know well) you have ever written and received feedback on and then modify it to address and/or choose the appropriate prompt.

Answer 4

Writing an outstanding college essay is not an easy task. However, listed below are several questions I use with my students to brainstorm. I ask the student to think about what they would say to an admissions officer if they happened to be sitting across a desk from her. What makes you stand out? What makes you unique? Once you have an idea, just write, write, write. Don't worry about the length until you tell your story. Try not to edit it as you go and don't be afraid to use the word "I". Be careful not to throw your resume into the essay. The essay comes with your application...the admissions director knows you are the captain of the lacrosse team or you had the lead in the play. The essay doesn't have to be about a life-changing event-it can be about a moment in time. It does need to be well-written, with no typos and truly help the admissions committee understand who you are.

How do I spend my time?

 

What do I like to do?

 

What do I think about most of the time?

 

What are the things that truly matter to me?

 

What is my family like? Do we have any interesting rituals about dinners or board games or TV shows?

 

What would I say about myself if I had to omit any mention of my extracurricular activities?

 

When I think about who I am or what I care about, is there a particular day, moment, or event that was important in shaping that?

 

If I had a chance to eavesdrop at my own funeral, what would people say about me?

 

If I had a day to do anything I wanted— no school, no work, no homework, no chores— what would I do?

 

What do I want this college to know about me?

 

What keeps me up at night?

 

What drives me, makes me tick?

 

What am I most proud of?

 

What are your favorite activities and hobbies? Why do you enjoy them?

 

Do you have any special talents or skills? These might be significant things—like playing piano or acting—or they might be more trivial things like juggling, doing a back-flip, etc. 

 

What is your “role” in your family? (For example, are you the comedian? The responsible older sibling? The performer or athlete?)

 

Who in your life has been particularly influential or memorable?

What have you done during your high school summers that has been particularly meaningful, memorable, or difficult?

 

Have you worked any summer or after-school jobs? Describe. Was there a moment you can describe that made it special?

 

What was your best day or experience? The worst?

 

Is there anything you’ve done that, knowing what you know now, you would like to have done differently? Explain.

Please let me know if this is helpful!