College Admissions Essays

In the process of filling out several applications for numerous colleges, one section of the form normally fills students with stress and fear. This section is normally the last one completed by students, since it requires the most effort and thought. This section, of course, is the essay section.

During the process of filling out college applications myself, I found all that I had been told about this dreaded section had been true. More specifically, I sat there, wondering however I could come up with a response to such a vague question. I had an awful case of writers block. In order to combat this feeling, I asked a dear friend of mine who had been accepted into various high-ranking schools such as Stanford and MIT. His response to my question was mildly helpful, but more so humorous. (It involved putting himself into a peaceful, comfortable state in his home by taking a steamy shower, putting on boxers, turning up the temperature of his house to 78degrees, dimming the lights in his room, and listening to a soothing mix cd that he had created specifically for the purpose of inducing thoughts for his college essays...) However, after finally completing the arduous process myself (and being accepted into college), I have managed to compile a few tips to those who are in the process of starring at a computer screen, waiting for inspiration to hit them in order for them to write that perfect college admissions essay.

First of all, throw out all your accomplishments. Forget about your grade point average, your SAT score, and your class council position; these have already been listed previously in your admission form. Instead, focus on something that makes you unique. If you happen to find your identity in one of these areas, then tell a story related to them that brings out your personality; do not just list all the wonderful things about yourself. Remember that, except for the case of perhaps an interview, this essay is the main part of your application that shows the admissions office who you truly are.

Secondly, if you are given the choice of several essay topics, always choose the one to which you can write the most specified, personal answer. However, some college applications seem to have rather vague, generic questions (like why do you wan to go to this university, what talents could you bring here, etc). When answering such questions, remember that the admissions office is very likely reading hundreds of essays a day; find a way to make yours stand out, perhaps by choosing to take an abnormal view point on a question if possible. While some colleges have annoyingly vague questions, others offer beautifully specific ones. For example, Northwestern had questions asking for essays on what traditions I think should be changed, whose work I would like to continue and why, and even one on being careful what I wish for. Take advantage of such questions, but remember that since they are more specific, you will most likely be competing with thousands of other essays just as specific as your own.

After you have completed your essay, reread it. And then reread it again and again. You probably will not get a second chance at your college admissions process, so make the best of this opportunity. Carefully check for minor spelling errors and typos; scan for grammatical problems, but keep in mind that allowing your own writing style to shine through can be to your advantage.

Finally, relax. Although it is often the most stressed part of a college application, not all the weight of your admission decision rests upon it. Remember that you are most likely also submitting your testing scores, grades and classes taken, extra curricular activities, community service, and teacher recommendations along with your essay. Try to find some reasons to laugh while trekking through this somewhat frustrating process. Go ahead and be amused by Stanford telling its applicants that a picture is worth a thousand words...and then asking them to describe a picture in a mere five hundred.

some information in this article was taken from www.essayedge.com