Your college application essay is one of the most important parts of the admission process since it is the only document where you can tell your story to the admission committee and can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. A well-written personal essay can pave the way toward a successful college application. It probably is one of the most important essays you will ever write and we recommend giving it the time and attention it so rightfully deserves.
What is a college application essay?
A college application essay is the student’s chance to present their personality and tailor their application. An admissions officer can receive thousands of college applications and many of them might be similar when it comes to high school grades and test scores.
When confronted with similar academic achievements, admissions officers turn their attention to the college admissions essay. This is the best opportunity for students who apply to selective colleges to shine a light on their unique personalities and resounding voices.
Much of the application review process is automated but college essays, along with letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities, add that distinctive note to your college application. This is your chance to stand out among thousands of students with an amazing essay and impress the admissions officer.
How to write a successful college application essay?
Writing a successful college application essay means writing a captivating and unique story about yourself. A college essay doesn’t have to be longer than 650 words, but it has to be well crafted, powerful, genuine, and interesting. You don’t have to chase the sensational, but it is highly recommended to reveal your true self. Your essay is where creativity and personal experiences meet to paint a picture of both your past and future.
For a moment, try to ignore your grades, college credits, and standardized testing and focus on what makes you unique! Make sure you choose a powerful introduction that captures the reader’s attention and features an intriguing writing style. Engage your readers early on and keep them hooked throughout your story. You can start with an anecdote or an important personal experience that set you on your current path in life. Expound on your qualities and personality but never oversell them. Admissions officers are not fond of overly embellished and artificial stories.
The best part about college application essays is that they do not have a set-in-stone structure or format. They allow students to speak freely and reveal their inner voices. Focus on the impact that the event or experience you’re writing about had on you and open up about what you feel, think, and how it changed your perspective and priorities.
While telling your story is the core of any college essay, you shouldn’t focus exclusively on the past. Highlight your ambitions and how the college you’re applying to can help you achieve them. Try to align your mission in life with their vision and explain why you deserve to become a part of their student body.
Dos and don’ts in a college application essay
There is no wrong college application essay but there certainly are poorly-written essays. Colleges have different essay requirements but most of them are happy with a 650-word personal statement that exudes creativity, passion, depth, ambition, and dedication. How hard can it be, right?
College application essays are reflections of one’s personality and this is the reason why they are not limited by strict rules nor encumbered by pre-defined structures. However, there are some guidelines you should be aware of if you want to be one step ahead of the competition and write a flawless college application essay:
Do:
- Read the instructions carefully and follow the essay guidelines
- Begin with a strong and captivating introduction
- Write about something important to you
- Address the essay prompt
- Find a cohesive narrative and stick to it
- Be authentic
- Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Have someone proofread and edit your essay
- Answer the essay question
- Make it succinct
Don’t:
- Use clichés
- Focus exclusively on the past
- Talk exclusively about your strengths and qualities
- Send the same essay to every college
- List your academic achievements – they already have the official transcript
- Repeat yourself
- Contradict yourself
- Summarize
How can a college coach help with the college applications essay?
Many high school students encounter difficulties when writing their personal statements for the college application process. Although a college essay doesn’t have to be long, students have trouble finding the right structure and narrative to follow. This applies to transfer students and international students, both undergraduate and graduate students. Regardless of your academic background and achievements, writing a college essay is not always an easy endeavor. For some it comes naturally, others may need to work harder.
Although college coaches can’t write an essay for you, they can certainly help you find your inner voice and critical thinking skills. Our college coaches know what admissions officers are looking for in a college admissions essay and they will share their knowledge, experience, and tips with you. We will help you deliver a well-written and interesting essay that expresses your personal goals and how they align with the college’s mission and vision.
Moreover, we will edit and proofread your essay to make sure you deliver an impeccable personal statement that reflects who you are and what you want to achieve. Working together with a college coach can help you identify the areas that need revision, correct your grammatical errors, spelling, and most importantly, organize your ideas. Creativity matters when writing a college essay but it can benefit greatly from a clear plan that focuses on three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Enlist a college coach to simplify the college admissions process and provide the critical guidance you need for a successful college application. It is a lot easier to focus on your tests, grades, extracurricular activities, and college admissions essays when you have someone by your side who knows what colleges want from their applicants. Our college coaches can help you abide by every term and deadline set by the college admissions officers and provide the necessary materials to successfully apply to your dream colleges. You will do the work but we will guide you to execute it flawlessly!
