It's college admissions season. High school seniors around the country are getting ready to submit school transcripts and standardized test scores to their schools of choice and ask for letters of recommendation from trusted adults. They are summing up their extracurricular activities in resumes, and perhaps making a last push to improve their class rank. There is still one important, and sometimes intimidating, piece to the admissions puzzle: the college admissions essay.
Your college admissions essay can be the most important component in a well-rounded application packet. Why? This is your chance to show admission staff not just how well you work, but how you think.
In the 2017 State of College Admissions report, the college essay was rated as "considerably important" to admission programs, as essays tend to provide insight regarding personal qualities and interest. When all else is equal, a great essay can set you apart from the pack. A polished essay can also tip the balance for a marginal applicant. Make your essay come alive and help your reader to connect with you.
The library has all sorts of materials to help you craft a one-of-a-kind essay that showcases what is special and compelling about YOU.
According to Write Your Way into College: College Admissions Essay, a terrific essay:
■ is personal.
■ reveals something unique about you that readers can connect with.
■ doesn’t just repeat things already covered somewhere else on your application.
■ is focused and doesn’t try to cover too much ground.
■ zeros in on key points.
■ is well written and reflects your own voice.
■ is free from spelling and grammar mistakes.
■ isn’t overly depressing, unflattering, or inappropriately revealing.
Write Your Way into College is available as an eBook. You can check it out immediately and there is no waiting list to borrow it.
Other materials available from the library:
Write your way in : crafting an unforgettable college admissions essay by Rachel Toor
Writing the perfect college admission essay [dvd]
After you have written your essay, be sure to share it with friends, family, and teachers for feedback. Make sure you and someone who hasn't read the essay before give it a final read for spelling and grammar mistakes before you submit it.
Follow these tips and you will have an essay to be proud of because it represents the real and most polished version of yourself.