Most selective colleges require a college essay (also referred to as a “personal statement”) be submitted as part of one’s application. Although the task requires a significant amount of time and effort, it is a fabulous opportunity that can make a difference in your college admissions outcomes!

Colleges clearly look at academic results throughout high school, as well as strong SAT/ACT exam scores, if provided. This is usually the case with larger universities, which receive thousands of applications from many worthy students carrying similar scores and grades … more applicants than they are ever able to admit. Therefore, a well-crafted college essay may very well help your application stand out from the crowd, paired with strong letters of recommendation and a comprehensive list of extracurricular interests that compliment your story.

What to Write?

You are incredibly exceptional, and the essay is your opportunity to tell your unique story. The best story to write is one that motivates you. Keep in mind that admissions officers must read hundreds, if not thousands, of college essays. Essays that come across as genuine and sincere are the ones that really stand out. Too many times applicants try to come across as overly brilliant, and many write about a certain topic simply thinking it will impress admissions.

An applicant does not need to have worked on a cure for cancer or have spent 2 months during the summer helping to start a school overseas. Colleges are searching for contributory and open-minded students who will add to the diverse fabric of the incoming freshman class as well as the greater college community.

Great College Essays:

  • Tell the reader what you value:
    Your story could be a personal experience of joy or struggle, a lesson learned, or really anything that has had a meaningful impact on your life.
  • Demonstrate self-reflection and lessons learned:
    When telling your story, inform the reader what you learned from the experience and how it made you the person you are today.
  • Can use humor:
    Being able to sprinkle humor throughout a college essay is not easy to do, but if it makes an admissions officer laugh, your essay stands out! However, be careful with this strategy because what you think is funny may not be funny to an adult reading your essay.
  • Need to be drafted early and edited over and over again:
    We always tell our students to draft a first version, set it aside, and come back to it a few days later. Read it aloud and pretend you are an admissions officer reading it for a first time. Is it engaging? Does it seem real, sincere and genuine? Do ideas and details flow well? Most importantly, does it reveal who you really are?
  • Should not contradict or repeat information mentioned in the application:
    Your college essay should not only contradict information noted in other parts of your application, it should also not repeat information already noted. Additionally, do not use the essay to review noted grades, test scores or awards.
  • Must answer the prompt being asked:
    Ask yourself if your essay truly answers the essay prompt. A critical second reader can also help you determine this.
  • Should be read by a person with a critical eye:
    It is perfectly fine to have a guidance counselor or English teacher review your college essay. Furthermore, before you submit it make sure to proofread it carefully to ensure your work is free of spelling, grammatical and mechanical errors!

www.tarheeltutors.com runs a fabulous class during the spring and summer months, helping rising seniors craft this very important component of their college application, completed well before applications are due! Stay tuned for more details on these upcoming workshops and follow us on Facebook!