When it comes to college admissions, various criteria are considered, including high school grades, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores. However, a notable shift in recent years has seen many colleges, including Harvard until 2026, adopting “test-blind” admission policies, emphasizing other aspects of the application process. This change underscores the increased importance of the college essay.
Importance of the College Essay: The college essay now plays a pivotal role in the application process, offering applicants a unique chance to present themselves amidst the high volume of applications. Admissions officers, faced with thousands of submissions, view a well-crafted essay as a tool for applicants to stand out.
- Authenticity in Writing:
Authenticity is emphasized, urging applicants to select topics consistent with their true selves. The importance of avoiding inauthentic elements, such as overly elaborate language or inconsequential subjects, is highlighted. The use of one’s own voice, sense of humor, and natural conversational style is encouraged.
Applicants are advised to choose topics genuinely important to them, steering away from subjects selected solely for impression. The essay becomes an opportunity to showcase personal strengths, experiences, and even weaknesses, fostering honesty and depth.
- Engaging the Reader:
Competing for an admission officer’s attention requires a compelling start, whether through a bold statement, thoughtful quote, posed question, or descriptive scene. The introduction sets the tone for the entire essay and serves as a roadmap.
- Deeper Themes in Essay Writing:
Admissions officers seek to understand the person behind the application. Exploring personal growth, realizations through adversity, and the journey to the current stage in life is encouraged. The focus is on revealing the individual behind the achievements and activities listed on the application.
- Show, Don’t Tell Approach:
Engaging writing is emphasized through the “show, don’t tell” approach. Applicants are encouraged to set scenes and provide anecdotes, steering away from a mere list of accomplishments. The emotional arc of the journey is considered more compelling.
- Innovative Approaches to Stand Out:
Thinking outside the box is encouraged for a standout essay. Exploring lessons learned from losses rather than victories and incorporating surprising elements, such as delaying the response to a question until the last sentence, can set an essay apart. While common themes are acknowledged, a fresh approach is emphasized.
- Writing with the Reader in Mind:
Writing for the reader involves constructing a clear and logical argument where thoughts flow seamlessly. Incorporate transitions between paragraphs to ensure a smooth progression. Reflect on the information presented, eliminating elements that do not contribute to illustrating your theme. Address key questions: Does the content make sense? Is the essay well-organized? Does the opening captivate the reader? Is there a compelling conclusion? Have you provided sufficient background information, avoiding unnecessary verbosity?
- Writing Several Drafts:
Give yourself ample time by starting the writing process months in advance. This allows for multiple drafts and fresh perspectives. Set the essay aside for a few days to approach it with a renewed outlook. This break often leads to enhanced revision abilities.
- Reading Aloud:
Consider reading your essay aloud as it can unveil awkward, lengthy, or insincere passages. Auditory perception can identify issues that may be overlooked through silent reading.
- Avoiding Repetition:
Ensure your essay adds new insights rather than repeating information found elsewhere in your application. Align the content philosophically with the rest of your application and address any posed questions or prompts.
- Seeking Feedback:
Request feedback from diverse individuals, including teachers, parents, and siblings. Gather perspectives from different demographic groups to ensure clarity and understanding. Revise based on their feedback, addressing any points of confusion.
- Paying Attention to Form:
While there may not be strict word limits, aim for concise essays. The Common App suggests around 650 words. Attend to technical aspects such as readable fonts, proper spacing, and appropriate formatting. Create an essay that looks inviting to readers.
- Ending with a “Kicker”:
End your essay with a punchy conclusion known as a “kicker.” This should bring together key points, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Be concise, coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and incorporate vivid details and anecdotes to illustrate your perspective.
In conclusion, crafting a compelling essay may not guarantee selection, but it can tilt the balance in your favor, especially when competing against candidates with similar academic backgrounds. Embrace the writing process, revise diligently, and best of luck!
About the Author
Wayne Dukes is an accomplished writer and the Chief Editor at Exemplary Writers with a background in research work, college admission essays, and dissertations. Holding a Masters’ degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Salisbury University, he has written more than 700 admission essays, contributing to hundreds of students successfully securing admissions to their dream colleges. Dukes’s expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with authenticity, showcasing a unique voice and commitment to academic rigor in the realm of scholarly and admissions writing.
