How students can set themselves apart with college application essays | College Connection
Students have a perfect opportunity, through the Common App Essay, to share any “story” of their life.
Other than the Activities section, which is tightly limited by word count, the essay is the only section where students can let colleges know about their special talents, interests or some aspect of their life story that makes them a great match for their potential college.
The Common Application is one application that is now accepted by more than 1,000 institutions of higher learning, including every college in New Jersey. Students create an account and fill it out online, answering mostly factual questions in the categories of Profile, Family, Education and Testing. There is then an Activities section followed by the dreaded Writing section, which includes a set of prompts and requires one essay of 250-650 words.
Students can write about anything they choose. There are six prompts offering a great deal of flexibility: Share a background, identity, interest or talent; Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure; Reflect on a time when you questioned a belief or idea; Reflect on a time when someone made you happy or thankful; Discuss an accomplishment that sparked a period of personal growth; Describe a topic, idea or concept that captivates you. If none of these spurs one’s creative juices, the seventh option states, “Share an essay on any topic of your choice.”
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The essay provides the one opportunity to paint a picture for admissions counselors of why you would be an asset to their college community. Are you an accomplished musician who has performed at Carnegie Hall? Are you a dedicated athlete who has led your team to great heights? Have you devoted hundreds of hours, throughout your high school years, to Robotics, Drama Club, Debate Team, Science Olympiad, school newspaper, student government or a host of community service organizations? Did you reach the pinnacle of Girl or Boy Scouts, creating and implementing an impressive project to earn your Gold Award or Eagle Scout designation?
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Many inspiring essays focus on overcoming a challenge. Do you have a learning difference? If so, share your struggles and the techniques you implemented that aided you in becoming a successful student. Did you emigrate to America as a teen or tween? If so, share your trials and accomplishments in assimilating into American culture. Whatever makes you tick, and will benefit your future college community, should be shared in this essay.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Common App Essay allows students to set themselves apart
