COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAYS

Often a source of great anxiety, the college essay is a student’s best opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. Interviews are less and less part of the application process and some schools do not consider it part of a student’s application at all. Most colleges and universities request a personal essay in order to hear the student’s voice, their writing style and thought process. The choice of topic is far less important than how it is addressed.

The essay topics on the common application remain quite similar from year to year and are available by May of the year you will apply. Most schools that participate in the common application will also request a supplement that addresses why a student is interested in the particular college. Correct grammar and spelling are important and the writing itself must be authentic. Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year and are attuned to the voices of 17 and 18-year-olds. The best advice is for the student to start early on the essay writing to allow time for revisions and polishing. Educational Advisory Services offers brainstorming sessions and light editing, which can help to diffuse some of the anxiety that haunts this part of the application process.