How Much Do College Essays Matter?

How Much Do College Essays Matter? More than anything, officers want to get to know you through your essay. You will end up sounding like every other applicant. College essays can seem overwhelming, but you are sharing who you are as an individual. Of course, your college application essay is just one part of your admissions package, along with your GPA, your class rank, and your extracurriculars. Every college weighs these factors differently. Look for a strong opening line that really grabs the reader’s attention. The Common Application also gives you the option of responding to one of 7 different essay prompts. If you will be using the Common App, you’ll be able to choose, and write about, one of these prompts. If you don't plan on using the Common App, these prompts can still offer insight into a topic you'll likely be writing on for your school of choice. No wonder people feel stressed out about their college essays! The college essay is one of the most important parts of your college application, and it’s easy to see why. Don’t bury the lead…College admissions reps read hundreds of college applications each year but they rarely come across an essay that really surprises them. So, to capture your reader’s attention from the opening sentence, start your story in the middle of the action, rather than writing in a linear fashion. Choose a topic that recounts “that moment when”…The most impactful and memorable college essays focus on an ordinary topic that resulted in deep self-reflection and increased self-insight. In your own voice, tell a story that reveals a defining moment that helped to shape who you are today and influences who you’ll be tomorrow. In other words, your college essay should give the reader a real sense of your unique personality, characteristics, and qualities. When reviewing applications, colleges and universities are looking at two main things- who you are as a student, and who you are as a person. The college essay allows you to present yourself both personally and academically to the admissions officer. A good college essay is one that stays with the reader after he or she finishes reading it, maybe even thinking about it later that day, or the next day. When possible, select a topic that engages you and is one you are interested in addressing. It is important that your voice comes through and that the reader feels he or she has had an opportunity to experience a more personal facet of your character and your unique perspective. Do not get overwhelmed and stressed by the essay. Use this module as an opportunity to develop your essay step by step. Always ask for help and stay focused on your topic. Remember that the college application is important, but not as important as your grades. The importance of college essays has increased in the past few years. Twenty-six percent of college admission offices consider the college entrance exam is of “considerable importance” in the admission process . Some colleges weigh essays higher than other parts of the application. However, the essay is not the most important part of your application when you are applying for college. So whether you’re seeking flexibility in your college admission essay or you’re just doing a little preliminary research on likely essay prompts, the Common App is a good place to start. The Common Application, which is accepted by nearly 800 colleges and universities, is a single-serving college application that allows you to create one admissions package for submission to multiple schools. Avoid cliches at all cost and never write what you think someone wants to hear. When you are finished with the essay, read it out loud and carefully listen to the content, grammar, and pay attention to spelling or word glitches. We haven’t all pulled babies from burning buildings or sailed around the world in a catamaran. Tell a story from your own life that shows something unique about you. The story that your friends perk up to listen to- that’s the stuff that makes for great app essays.