The College Essay
The College Essay
The College Essay
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Many colleges require students to demonstrate their values and/or intellectual capabilities by<br />
responding to a variety of essay topics. Most private colleges and many state schools use responses to<br />
essay questions to evaluate a candidate subjectively to supplement objective data such as grades and<br />
test scores. How and what a student writes can be one of the most important elements in an admission<br />
decision. In answering an essay question, the following pointers can be helpful.<br />
If an application essay does not require a particular focus, choose a subject that will help an admissions<br />
representative to understand you better. Decide what factors paint a picture of you. Topics could range<br />
from the fear you felt at your first college interview to a commitment to a Junior Achievement program.<br />
Make your profile come alive with your essay.<br />
<strong>The</strong> way in which you select information about yourself and the way in which this information is<br />
presented are keys to college admission. <strong>The</strong> essay will make a strong impression about you to a<br />
college.<br />
In answering a question such as spending time with someone admired, living or deceased, be original.<br />
Student choices ranged from Genghis Khan to Fanny Farmer. Don’t try to second guess the admissions<br />
staff to give them what you think they want to hear.<br />
If a college asks why have you chosen this university, refer to specifics within the program. “I have<br />
chosen Penn State University because of the outstanding science facilities available to undergraduate<br />
students.” “I look forward to attending the School of Business and Economics at Washington and<br />
Jefferson because of the well-rounded background I will be provided within a small business<br />
management program.”<br />
It is not a good idea to submit an essay written for another purpose, nor is a simple narrative about a<br />
trip or other experience generally effective. Instead, describe a particular event that had an impact on<br />
you, or note your strongest feelings and how they affected you. Remember… you are writing to a<br />
college, not a friend or psychologist.
Following are some suggestions from Peterson’s Guide to help you put your thoughts into words:<br />
Make a List<br />
Travel<br />
List all your activities from the past four years (school, community, lessons, work, awards). This<br />
will help you find topics for essays and will also be helpful to people writing recommendations<br />
for you.<br />
List travel experiences and note significant impressions and feelings. Write down reasons why<br />
you liked Yellowstone National Park other than the beauty that everyone else would write<br />
about.<br />
Favorite Sayings<br />
Think of one or two sayings that you’ve heard again and again around your house. How have<br />
they shaped your life?<br />
Accomplishments<br />
Shortcomings<br />
Personal Traits<br />
Describe an accomplishment you had to struggle to achieve. Include what it was, how you<br />
tackled it, and how it changed you.<br />
List any shortcomings in your record and explain how they occurred. If you could relive the last<br />
four years, what would you change and how?<br />
What personality traits do you value most in yourself? How have these helped you?<br />
Now, Paint a Picture of Yourself<br />
From these lists, you may find an essay topic that allows you to paint a good picture of yourself.<br />
For more information on the <strong>Essay</strong> as it pertains to the college application and sample essays, see<br />
Completing the Application (p. 43).