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what is the most important aspect to focus on when doing college aps?
I am applying to colleges soon and I want to know what I should be focusing on when writing my essays and personal statements, etc.
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Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
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Justin’s Answer
Hi Ellerie,
When applying to college, the most important aspect to focus on in your essays and personal statements is authenticity—colleges want to get a real sense of who you are, what you value, and how you’ll contribute to their campus. Here are a few specific tips to help you craft a strong application:
1. Tell Your Story Authentically
Admissions committees read thousands of applications, so they’re looking for a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Focus on what makes you unique, such as your passions, life experiences, or challenges you’ve overcome. Don’t just list achievements; explain why they matter to you or how they’ve shaped who you are.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your qualities and experiences. Instead of saying, “I am a hard worker,” describe a time when you put in extra effort to achieve something meaningful to you. This gives depth to your story and helps the reader connect with you.
3. Reflect on Your Growth
Colleges value students who are self-aware and have a growth mindset. Reflecting on how you’ve learned or grown from experiences, even difficult ones, can show your resilience, adaptability, and maturity. Colleges want students who are open to growth and capable of learning from challenges.
4. Connect Your Goals with the College’s Values
Research each college and find aspects of their programs, culture, or opportunities that genuinely appeal to you. Mention how you’d contribute to campus life or what you’d take advantage of as a student. Colleges appreciate applicants who have a clear reason for choosing them and understand what makes their community unique.
5. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly
Strong writing is essential in college applications, so make sure your essays are clear, well-organized, and free from errors. After you’ve written your draft, take a break and return with fresh eyes, or ask someone else to review it for clarity.
By focusing on these elements, you’ll create an application that not only showcases your accomplishments but also gives admissions officers a real understanding of who you are and what you’ll bring to their college community.
Best of luck!
When applying to college, the most important aspect to focus on in your essays and personal statements is authenticity—colleges want to get a real sense of who you are, what you value, and how you’ll contribute to their campus. Here are a few specific tips to help you craft a strong application:
1. Tell Your Story Authentically
Admissions committees read thousands of applications, so they’re looking for a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Focus on what makes you unique, such as your passions, life experiences, or challenges you’ve overcome. Don’t just list achievements; explain why they matter to you or how they’ve shaped who you are.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your qualities and experiences. Instead of saying, “I am a hard worker,” describe a time when you put in extra effort to achieve something meaningful to you. This gives depth to your story and helps the reader connect with you.
3. Reflect on Your Growth
Colleges value students who are self-aware and have a growth mindset. Reflecting on how you’ve learned or grown from experiences, even difficult ones, can show your resilience, adaptability, and maturity. Colleges want students who are open to growth and capable of learning from challenges.
4. Connect Your Goals with the College’s Values
Research each college and find aspects of their programs, culture, or opportunities that genuinely appeal to you. Mention how you’d contribute to campus life or what you’d take advantage of as a student. Colleges appreciate applicants who have a clear reason for choosing them and understand what makes their community unique.
5. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly
Strong writing is essential in college applications, so make sure your essays are clear, well-organized, and free from errors. After you’ve written your draft, take a break and return with fresh eyes, or ask someone else to review it for clarity.
By focusing on these elements, you’ll create an application that not only showcases your accomplishments but also gives admissions officers a real understanding of who you are and what you’ll bring to their college community.
Best of luck!
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Ellerie! When applying to colleges, the most important aspect to focus on are both the essay and personal statements. Here are several key points to consider when writing your essays and personal statements:
-Be sincere, like share your true self, including your passions, experiences, and values. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, so be honest about your experiences and what you’ve learned from them.
-Tell a compelling story, use narrative techniques to engage the reader. Instead of just listing achievements or activities, frame your experiences in a story format that highlights your growth, challenges, and aspirations.
-Reflect on experiences, i mean, go beyond just describing what you've done. Reflect on how those experiences have shaped you. What skills have you gained? What challenges have you overcome? How have those experiences prepared you for college?
-Research each college’s values, mission, and culture. Tailor your essays to align with what they are looking for in a candidate. Demonstrating a good fit can strengthen your application.
-Use specific examples rather than general statements. This makes your essay more vivid and memorable. Instead of saying you're passionate about a subject, show how your passion has influenced your life or decisions.
-Highlight your personal growth and resilience. Colleges often look for applicants who have faced challenges and have learned from them.
-Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Revising your work and asking for feedback from teachers, family, or friends can help polish your essays.
- Discuss your aspirations and how the college will help you achieve them. This helps the admissions committee understand your motivation and potential contributions to the campus community.
- Show your excitement for the opportunity to attend college and how it fits into your personal and academic journey.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create compelling essays that reflect who you are as an individual and why you would be a strong addition to the college community. I believe in you truly!! Good luck with your applications! With love, Darya
-Be sincere, like share your true self, including your passions, experiences, and values. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, so be honest about your experiences and what you’ve learned from them.
-Tell a compelling story, use narrative techniques to engage the reader. Instead of just listing achievements or activities, frame your experiences in a story format that highlights your growth, challenges, and aspirations.
-Reflect on experiences, i mean, go beyond just describing what you've done. Reflect on how those experiences have shaped you. What skills have you gained? What challenges have you overcome? How have those experiences prepared you for college?
-Research each college’s values, mission, and culture. Tailor your essays to align with what they are looking for in a candidate. Demonstrating a good fit can strengthen your application.
-Use specific examples rather than general statements. This makes your essay more vivid and memorable. Instead of saying you're passionate about a subject, show how your passion has influenced your life or decisions.
-Highlight your personal growth and resilience. Colleges often look for applicants who have faced challenges and have learned from them.
-Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Revising your work and asking for feedback from teachers, family, or friends can help polish your essays.
- Discuss your aspirations and how the college will help you achieve them. This helps the admissions committee understand your motivation and potential contributions to the campus community.
- Show your excitement for the opportunity to attend college and how it fits into your personal and academic journey.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create compelling essays that reflect who you are as an individual and why you would be a strong addition to the college community. I believe in you truly!! Good luck with your applications! With love, Darya