College
Research
How important is the college essay?
As with most of the college application process, there is no absolute
answer. Colleges may weigh aspects of the application package differently,
but in very few cases will a student be accepted or rejected based solely
on the essay. Typically, the essay becomes most important for marginal
candidates. While a fantastic essay cannot make up for poor high school
grades, it can be a factor when an admission decision could go either way.
Do I choose the topic?
While most colleges present students with a choice of topics, some will
allow you to choose your own topic. What you choose to write about
will reveal your creativity, personality and value system to the admissions
committee. Your essay should not be flat and boring, but rather reflect
the energy and enthusiasm that you have about your subject. You will
want to stand out from other students. Write about something of interest
to you, and always have someone close to you read the essay. Does
this
reflect your level of enthusiasm? Your personality? Is the essay interesting
to read?
How long should my essay be?
The majority of college essays are between 300 and 600 words or one
and a half to two pages. Some colleges will specify how long they
would your your essay to be, others will not. In either case, remember
that admissions officers read hundreds of essays each season, so try
to
make
your essay interesting, informative, and the appropriate length.
Do big words and grand topics make good essays?
Leave your thesaurus in
your locker! Big words are fine, but only if used within the appropriate
context. Students often confuse good essays with complex language. It
is most important that you think of the essay as a reflection of your
personality
and style. The essay should be more similar to a well-written and creative
letter to a friend than a research paper. Choose a topic and theme that
relate to you.
Can I submit my essay online?
Some colleges accept online applications, which means they also accept
essays online. Remember to do a good job and proofread your essay
no matter what application format you use. While applying online saves
time and paper, admission committees expect the same accuracy and commitment
to grammar and punctuation as they would if you mailed it in.
Writing a Successful College Essay
The essay is your opportunity to reveal your unique qualities. The
essay questions help the admission counselors understand your
motivations, creativity, and personality. This is your chance to get
creative.
Explore the topic think, beyond the obvious, be reflective and
be yourself. At the same time, handle sensitive subjects appropriately.
Be honest and direct, reveal important things about yourself,
but
do so within the boundaries of good taste. Begin early - leave
yourself enough time to put your essay aside, then go back to
it to be certain what you’ve said is what you actually want
to say. Answer the question. No matter how well-written if you
do not
answer the question, the essay has failed to serve its purpose.
Whatever topic you may write about, remember to get personal.
Colleges are
more interested in learning about you than the actual topic.
Ask Yourself
•
Is every sentence crucial to the essay?
•
Are there any clichés?
•
Does the essay transition appropriately?
•
What’s the best part of the essay?
•
What does the essay reveal about my personality?
•
Would I want the student who wrote this essay on my campus?
•
Could anyone else have written this essay?
Common Essay Questions
1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have
taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international
concern and its importance to you.
3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and
describe their influence.
4. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative
work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence
on you, and
explain that influence.
5. Topic of your choice.
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