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What You Need to Know About College Admissions: Writing the Dreaded Essay

by Joanne Apesos
7/19/2014

Question:  Which part of the college application causes the most stress and anxiety among students and parents alike?

Answer:  The personal essay

            Today, colleges are placing ever greater importance on application essays when making admissions decisions.  A 2013 survey by The Independent Educational Consultant Association found that the essay ranks fourth in importance (after curriculum, grades, and standardized test scores).

            An outstanding essay is a critical component of your college applications.  Why?  The essay is your chance to stand out from the crowd and it may just be the edge you need to get a "yes" from the college of your dreams.

            The best time to write your essay is during summer break when you have time to focus without being distracted by school activities and obligations.  Ben Kaplan, a rising senior at Holliston High School, says, "I want to make sure my essay stands out--and now is the best time for me to do it."

            We've been assisting students with their college application essays for over ten years and have many tips and suggestions to help you avoid common pitfalls as you write yours.  Here are a few to get your started:

 

  1. Pick the Right Topic.  This is a critical step and one that often leads to disaster.  Go to the Common Application website to review their essay prompts.  They are general enough that most topics will fit one of the choices.  Pick a topic that is important to you, that reveals something about who you are, and one that helps you stand out from the crowd.
  2. Make Sure the Essay is About YOU.  Your voice and passion should be featured throughout the essay.  Be creative and personal!  Don't try to be someone you are not and don't write what you think an admissions counselor wants to hear.  This is your chance to tell colleges what you want them to know about you.
  3. Don't Repeat Information that is already included in your application (i.e. academic or athletic achievements).
  4. Watch Length.  The Common Application now has a strict limit of 650 words and anything over that will be cut off.  Don't feel that you need to make your essay go to the limit either.  Make every word count!
  5. Revise, Revise, Revise.  And when you think you're done revising, revise again.  This is not something you can whip up in one sitting.  You will need many drafts (and may even need to go back to the drawing board multiple times) before your essay is polished and ready to submit.  Read it aloud; this will help you hear where the rough spots are.  Ask others to read it, but beware of over-editing.
  6. Read Other Essays.  Some college counselors may not agree, but we think it’s the best way to understand what a stand out piece is.  There is rhythm to writing the essay and once you read many examples you’ll understand.   Pick up a book of essays (Essays from Hell is a good one), visit Connecticut College’s website (conncoll.edu) for outstanding essays from the prior year and check out both Boston College and Boston University for great insights into writing the essay.                                                                                                  Remember:  the college application essay is your chance to stand out from a crowd of qualified applicants.  Do NOT take this part of your application lightly--and don't wait until the last minute to get it done!

Joanne Clary Apesos and Beth Brooks have assisted students with college essays for 10 years.  Beth has over twenty years experience in the college publishing field, working as a Developmental Editor, ghost writer, and copyeditor with authors at major universities across the country. She holds a B. A. with Distinction in English from Colby College, and has completed continuing education courses in publishing at Northeastern University.  Joanne holds a master’s degree in Higher Education from Columbia University and owns College Pursuits, a local college consulting business in town.  If you would like with your college essay this summer please contact us at joanneapesos@gmail.com/