If you ask most students applying to college, transferring from one college to another, or even those applying to graduate school what aspects of the application they dread the most, the college essay component usually wins out.
For most students, the structure and expectations of the college essay are unlike any other writing assignment they have had while in school. For years, they are taught to write literature reviews, create lab reports, analyze historical events, explain complicated math equations, and even tell a fairy tale in another language. All the while, the word “I” is rarely used and sometimes even admonished in their academic writing. So after many years of being taught to excel in one style of writing, the college admissions offices across the country wants them now to do the one thing they have little experience doing: Writing about themselves.
While the college essay is not a simple part of the college application, it might be the most important. The college essay is not meant to be a summary of accomplishments that can be found in other aspects of the application: It is meant to be the beating heart of the application. The essay is what highlights a student as more than just grades and test scores or a list of activities done in between school, homework, and hanging out with friends. It humanizes the application packet sitting in front of an admissions counselor and the subsequent committees who make the final decision. The essay is the window into the soul. It tells the world about likes, dislikes, thoughts, feelings, circumstances, rationalizations, challenges, and moments of pride. It does what no other part of the application can do and making sure it is done not just well, but with a sense of justice for the writer, is of utmost importance.
There are many topics available to students to help them highlight the story of their life they want to share. The Common Application, which is currently the preferred application for more than 1000 colleges, offers students 7 different essay topics that a student can choose from to help develop their story. There is no preferred topic and college admissions officers want students to choose the topic that will allow them to tell their story most effectively. With the support of a college counselor, students will brainstorm, develop, and execute an essay that reflects their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and will round out the story that their application is trying to tell.
To learn more about the college essay and how we can support your student in creating an application that is well-rounded and meaningful, please contact Dana and schedule time for a complimentary introductory call.