In recent years, more colleges are no longer considering test scores. Instead they are opting for “test-blind” admission policies that give more weight to other elements of a college admission. This policy is meant to be more inclusive to students who don’t have the means or access to testing, or who suffer from test anxiety.
So what does this mean for you?
It means that a college essay, traditionally a requirement for any college admission, is more important than ever. A well-written and thoughtful essay – reflecting who you are and what you believe in – will be the key to your acceptance to your choice of college.
But, writing a amazing college essay isn’t that easy. When you sit down and start to write – how do you know if your writing style is what will be the best way to secure an acceptance. Tune in below for some of the best strategies to writing YOUR perfect college essay.
#1 Grab the Reader from the start
When competing for an admission officer’s attention the very first sentence needs to immediately seize the reader’s imagination. A bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene.
Example 1: “Sitting against the backdrop of stars, I noticed the boats gently drifting on the ocean, taking me back through the tides of time to my childhood. These boats reminded me of my own boating trips with my grandfather.”
Example 2: “I have always loved riding in cars. After a long day in first grade, I used to fall asleep to the engine purring in my mother’s Honda Odyssey, even though it was only a 5-minute drive home. As I grew, and graduated into the shotgun seat, it became natural and enjoyable to look out the window. Seeing my world passing by through that smudged glass, I would daydream what I could do with it.”
#2 Don’t use numbers to impress
College admissions officer’s don’t care how many hours you served at a soup kitchen or how many games your soccer team won. They want to know the deeper theme behind what makes you tick. They want to know what brought you to this moment in your life.
Instead of loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, talk about how winning the soccer games made you develop as a leader. Talk about how volunteering at your local soup kitchen inspired your educational journey to learn more about social justice.
What did you discover about yourself when you were doing your extra-curricular activities?
#3 Show Don’t Tell
The most engaging writing “shows” by telling a story (aka anecdote). When writing an anecdote the college admissions officer gets a view into what the world looks like through your eyes. But they don’t only want to know the score, they want to know how you felt and how it affected you.
Example 1: “Whenever I travel to Argentina, I make note of every unfamiliar, fascinating cultural tradition. The kissing each cheek to greet each other. Making steamy empanada pastries stuffed with juicy ground beef and spices. The late dinners with cousins that go on until 1 am with heated arguments about politics or the River vs Boca soccer teams.”
Example 2: Because I’m quite curious, I often engage with customers at my Target register who chat with me about their beloved, rambunctious grandkids. I’ve asked questions that lead to stories about all kinds of pranks and family trips where these grandparents spoil their descendants. My customers remember me because I always remember them.
# 4 Take a Fresh Approach
Most students talk about a sport-related obstacle, volunteer stories, immigration stories or a summary of personal achievements. If this sounds like you – don’t freak out yet. These themes are popular for a reason. because they are usually all that a student has experienced in the last 18 years of their life.
I’m not suggesting you steer away from these popular themes – especially if they really resonate with you – instead try to take an approach that no one else has done before.
# 5 Make it Easy for your Reader to Follow
Imagine being a college admissions officer and you are reading your forty-third essay of the day. I’d bet they are a bit tired of reading and a bit bored. The last thing they want to do is read a essay that is complicated and hard to follow. How do you avoid that?
Don’t jump around from topic to topic because you want to fit as many examples or facts in the essay. Instead build a clear and logical essay that flows.
Write multiple drafts. Get all your ideas down on paper and then start figuring out how to structure your essay. Sometimes the 5 paragraph structure with a beginning, a middle, and an end is the best way to make it easy for your reader to follow. Some questions you can ask to double-check your work can include:
“Does what I have written make sense?”
“Is it too wordy?”
“Is the essay organized?”
So what should you do next?
Choose a vague section of your essay and re-write it using the tips above. Write multiple drafts of your essay. Set it aside for a couple days and come back to it after you forgot what you wrote about in the first place. Read it with a fresh perspective and decide if an admissions officer would be engaged with your writing. Then have someone else read it and tell you if they would admit you into a school if they were an admissions officer.