3 answers
Freddy
Student
Edina, MN
1
Question
Asked
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How should I start?
What did you write your college essay about? Do you have recommendations for me?
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3 answers
Elyse H. Radine Rast, Ph.D.
Educational Consultant
15
Answers
Westwood, Massachusetts
Updated
Elyse H.’s Answer
Your college essay has two goals: one, to help the evaluators get to know you better and see you as a "real" person, and two, to put all the pieces of your application together in a way that seems purposeful. Here's more info on both of the goals.
1. The evaluators need to see you as the charming, bright person you are and not just numbers on a page. This is your big chance to show them who you are and why you'd be perfect for their school. Think of it like this: a hundred other people will have the exact same GPA, test scores, AP classes, references, etc., but only you will tell the story of why they should accept you.
2. If you're like most high school students, your application is a bit all over the place. Maybe you were in alcapella, worked at a bagel shop and babysat your younger siblings, and won an award for math, but you're applying to schools as an English major. It's your job here to show why none of this is random, why all of it was purposeful, and how these experiences helped create the amazing person you are.
Here's how you do that: write down all the random activities, awards, community service, jobs, etc. Try to find a through line---it can be random because you're going to guide them down a path. Here's an example. I worked with a student who did a lot of community service, didn't have many activities besides Model UN, hadn't won awards, and had stellar grades and test scores. They had never taken an engineering class nor did they participate in activities like robotics, but they were applying to engineering programs. They started their essay talking about when they were a toddler and would spend hours switching lights on and off. Then they talked about loving video games but being more interested in taking apart the systems to see how it all worked. They tied in community service and model UN (learning about technology in other countries, etc), and they created the path that the reviewers needed to see.
Finally, remember to infuse some of your personality. It doesn't need to be perfect. Instead, it should show your uniqueness, maybe be a bit funny, have a couple short anecdotes, etc.
You will likely go through many versions and many stories until you hit the one that feels like it represents you the best, so start early, and try and enjoy the process. You're going to do great!
1. The evaluators need to see you as the charming, bright person you are and not just numbers on a page. This is your big chance to show them who you are and why you'd be perfect for their school. Think of it like this: a hundred other people will have the exact same GPA, test scores, AP classes, references, etc., but only you will tell the story of why they should accept you.
2. If you're like most high school students, your application is a bit all over the place. Maybe you were in alcapella, worked at a bagel shop and babysat your younger siblings, and won an award for math, but you're applying to schools as an English major. It's your job here to show why none of this is random, why all of it was purposeful, and how these experiences helped create the amazing person you are.
Here's how you do that: write down all the random activities, awards, community service, jobs, etc. Try to find a through line---it can be random because you're going to guide them down a path. Here's an example. I worked with a student who did a lot of community service, didn't have many activities besides Model UN, hadn't won awards, and had stellar grades and test scores. They had never taken an engineering class nor did they participate in activities like robotics, but they were applying to engineering programs. They started their essay talking about when they were a toddler and would spend hours switching lights on and off. Then they talked about loving video games but being more interested in taking apart the systems to see how it all worked. They tied in community service and model UN (learning about technology in other countries, etc), and they created the path that the reviewers needed to see.
Finally, remember to infuse some of your personality. It doesn't need to be perfect. Instead, it should show your uniqueness, maybe be a bit funny, have a couple short anecdotes, etc.
You will likely go through many versions and many stories until you hit the one that feels like it represents you the best, so start early, and try and enjoy the process. You're going to do great!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Freddy, it's great to have you reach out to us. You've posed an excellent question, one that often pops up among students, particularly those applying for admissions. Schools typically provide a list of pre-set topics, and all you have to do is pick one that resonates with you and delve into it.
Consider your strengths and weaknesses when selecting a topic. It's a great idea to explore how you can grow and improve from your weaknesses. Reflect on how you adjust to new surroundings, how you tackle challenges. Interviewers are often interested in understanding how you've overcome past difficulties. They're keen to learn how you've grown from your setbacks.
Time management is another potential topic for your essay. Be ready to demonstrate how you can efficiently juggle your time and responsibilities. Moreover, they're interested in seeing how you would manage a team and assess your leadership skills.
Preparing for a college application involves various aspects. Stay true to yourself, be sincere, and make sure your words reflect your thoughts. Also, do some homework on the school you're interested in and the program you wish to pursue. It's crucial that you have a clear understanding of the program you're aiming for.
Kindly visit your school counselor specifically your career counselor and ask some assistance about your college application.
Visit some community colleges and do some research of different programs that you want to consider and their GPA requirements.
Conduct an interview with people who are already in the field to gain insights about your chosen program.
Consider your strengths and weaknesses when selecting a topic. It's a great idea to explore how you can grow and improve from your weaknesses. Reflect on how you adjust to new surroundings, how you tackle challenges. Interviewers are often interested in understanding how you've overcome past difficulties. They're keen to learn how you've grown from your setbacks.
Time management is another potential topic for your essay. Be ready to demonstrate how you can efficiently juggle your time and responsibilities. Moreover, they're interested in seeing how you would manage a team and assess your leadership skills.
Preparing for a college application involves various aspects. Stay true to yourself, be sincere, and make sure your words reflect your thoughts. Also, do some homework on the school you're interested in and the program you wish to pursue. It's crucial that you have a clear understanding of the program you're aiming for.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
DeMarquiese
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Starting can be tough, but I'd suggest focusing on your experiences and passions. Since I didn't go to college, I can't speak about writing an essay, but I'd recommend sharing your unique story and aspirations. Be authentic, and don't be afraid to show how your journey has shaped you.