One of the most stress-inducing components of the college admissions process is the essay section. For both talented writers and those that struggle with the subject, essays often seem like the riskiest part of the application.
Remember the essay is simply meant to give students an opportunity to introduce themselves to the admissions committee. Typically, it is used to showcase elements of a student not otherwise covered in the application. In reading these written sections, admissions committees are able to garner a better idea of who a student is beyond their grades, scores, and resumes.
Knowing that, it may seem like crafting an essay that rises to the task is near impossible. It’s not. Here are some easy steps to take in order to keep ahead of any essay-induced anxiety and ensure that you write your best essay:
Remember to include YOU
You may be convinced that an essay about the political climate or a certain historical figure is a surefire way to gain admittance to your top choice university, but remember the importance of authenticity. Admissions committees are looking to build a diverse and robust student body. Think about how you can best highlight your own story as a way to stand out. Use the essay as an opportunity to highlight what you’d bring to the student body and how you’d contribute to the school.
Be reflective
Do more than just relay a story. Even if you ran with the bulls or met the president, a story is only as valuable as your understanding of it. Should you have your topic already picked out, reflect on what you want to say and why. Remember you’re not trying to impress the admissions committee, but rather to teach them more about yourself. Does your story do that? What does it say about you? Or how you think? How you feel? Who you are?
Keep tone in mind
Surely, there are essays that made every committee member laugh or cry; however, don’t worry about having a profound impact on your audience. Write in a way that sounds like you. If that means telling jokes or using an expansive vocabulary, write that. Remember, your essay should match the rest of your application. If you become someone else for the sake of your essay, it will show. Admissions committees aren’t looking for a comedian or a speechwriter, but rather a student who is going to create their own college experience as well as add to the experience of others.
Prepare to write several drafts
Write the essay out several times. Have others, particularly teachers, tutors, and college advisors, read over your drafts. Do not leave essay writing to last minute, even if you excel at storytelling. This is an area of your application where you have the unique opportunity to really polish your work. Don’t let that go to waste. You don’t need to aim for perfection from the beginning, you just need to work towards it and trust that it will come in time.
Don’t lose track of the question
Remember that the essay has to tie back to the prompt. A thousand words that rival Shakespeare, but don’t answer the questions fail at the task at hand. The point of the essay is not just to prove that you can write. Its purpose is to answer a question or respond to a prompt. Yes, the essay is an opportunity for applicants to use their own words and speak about themselves, but don’t get so carried away jamming as much you into the essay as possible that you forget to answer the question.
With all that being said, do not give the essay section too much weight. Remember that the essay is one of many components that go into an application. Not every student will submit an award winning essay, just as not every student will submit top grades. The important thing is for the essay to be reflective of you as an applicant. The parts should also come together to form a cohesive narrative of the student.
If you are interested in speaking with one of our Advisors about college application essays, you can schedule a free consultation here.
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