College Essay Tips: Getting to Know Me

Students: Pretend you are on the Admissions staff of the college you would like to attend. Know that you and your colleagues read hundreds of personal essays during a single application season. What kind of essay would actually be refreshing to read? Interesting? Genuine? OK, now that your head is in the game, begin to organize your thoughts on paper or PC. How will you communicate who you are and why you are a great fit for your dream college?

The personal essay is a key part of a college application, and gives the Admissions staff an opportunity to get to know a student. It adds some personality to applications full of numbers like grade point averages and test scores.

Here are some tips for seniors compiling college application materials:

1. Write honestly about yourself, not what you think colleges want to hear. Writing in your own voice, using a vocabulary that is both comfortable for you but also professional, is the goal.

2. Be specific about why you think you are a great fit for the school. If you have clarified your career and academic goals, tell the college how you came to your decision. The process you use can speak volumes about your level of maturity and the way you approach planning and problem solving.

3. Answer the question: what can you add to the college and your fellow students that might be unique or different from other applicants?

4. Focus on high school experiences, unless you have a childhood experience that had a profound impact on you in recent years.

5. Keep it succinct. Readers will typically concentrate on the beginning of the essay; longer is not better. And you may only have 500 words to get your points across. Choose every word purposefully.

6. Write a first draft, set it aside, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Invite a few others, such as teachers, coaches or parents, to read it and provide suggestions. Expect to do several rewrites to get it just right.

Students who are sophomores or juniors - don't wait! You can employ a little "backwards planning" by asking: In a year or two, what would I like to say about myself and my accomplishments - and how do I go about gaining some of those experiences now? You can start to do informational interviewing and job shadowing experiences, which can help clarify your career direction and college major choice. Perhaps joining a club based on your interests or assisting with service activities can broaden your experience and provide an opportunity to learn leadership skills, which are desirable characteristics for admission to any college. By doing some planning and getting into gear early, you will find yourself well prepared when it's college application time.

© Copyright 2009, Career Vision. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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