The college admissions essay is seemingly the most daunting piece of the application. While filling in the blanks, gathering letters of recommendation and taking standardized tests can be time-consuming, the process is pretty straight-forward. Essays, on the other hand, aren’t so cut and dry.
They’re oftentimes open-ended with a prompt like: tell us about yourself or your achievements or an obstacle you’ve overcome. Others are a little more creative – or complicated, depending on your perspective. Schools like the University of Chicago are notorious for being imaginative with their essay prompts by allowing current students to come up with them. For example, one prompt this year reads: “What is square one, and can you actually go back to it?”
This is your opportunity to showcase your personality. What makes you who you are – was it a struggle in the past? The instrument that changed your life? Your first athletic practice or game? A person that you admire? Your desire to attend the school to which you are applying?
The formula is…there is no formula.
The essay is the component of the college application that allows for some freedom. There is no need to write a formulaic essay with an introduction, three-point body and conclusion. Rather, you can do with it what you want. You could even compile a video essay.
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Grab their attention.
Once you’ve figured out a topic, start off your essay on the right foot. Admission officers read countless essays, and yours is sure to stand out with an attention-grabbing first sentence or paragraph. Start with a quote, a striking fact or an interesting story. Your options are endless…almost. Whatever you do, don’t start the essay with: “My name is ___________, and I really want to attend XYZ University. “
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