It might seem like a hassle and will require a lot of effort. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that may prove pivotal in the future. Admissions officers consider grades from high school and standardized test scores the most heavily considered factors. There are far too many qualified applicants for prestigious universities. They look at your essay, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities to find out what can make you stand out from other qualified applicants.
Narrating Your Stories to Colleges
The sum of your experiences, hobbies and personal qualities makes you special. The time has come for you to share your experience (or at least a bit). Writing a reflective essay about a topic close to your heart is the most effective way to share your background and experiences. Just be yourself, and people will notice how special you are.
College admissions officers read a ridiculous number of essays each year, most of which are forgettable. In an effort to appear intelligent, many students speak in a way that is not authentic to who they are. Some students, however, write about something they aren’t very interested in because they believe it would impress admissions officers.
You need not have gone into business for yourself or spent the summer on the Appalachian Trail. Schools want to bring in smart, self-motivated first-year students who will improve the class.
Tips for a Stellar College Essay
1. You Need to Read the Instructions Carefully
If you can’t follow directions (like the ones in the application essay standards), the admissions committee might turn down your application. You must be capable of organizing your work by adhering to the page and word limits that have been specified.
2. You Need to Have a Compelling Introduction
The recruiters will only take a few minutes to read your essay; therefore, you must immediately capture their attention with a punchy opening paragraph. Your essay’s start should tell the reader what the paper will be about and pique their interest.
3. You Need to Avoid Cliches
I must stand out from the thousands of other students applying to the same university. To make my essay more unique, I need to read it over and cross out any phrases that sound too familiar. Because admissions personnel read hundreds of applications each year, it stands to reason that individuals that stand out via their individuality will be singled out.
4. You Need to Give Good Examples to Support Your Ideas
You should ensure that everything you write in your essay supports your main point of view. Think about how the prompt connects to who you are as a person, and then write from that perspective. That’s why it’s always important to provide context and examples when trying to make a point instead of just regurgitating information.
5. You Need to Proofread the Essay Before Submitting
It would help if you had somebody who hasn’t read it before look it over, as they will likely notice errors you missed. Asking a tutor or parent to edit your article will allow them to do more than identify typos; they can also see if the voice comes across as genuine. It’s difficult to know if the statement you just composed truly reflects who you are after studying many examples and applying so many rules. To ensure the essay is flawless, ask other people to read it.
