A great college essay tells a story about an event that shaped a student’s life. It is not simply a factual accounting of a student’s accomplishments and goals. It tells a tale that truly shows who the student is. It must fascinate the reader and give them a picture of who the student is and how that student will benefit from the college experience.
The Intro
A college essay, must draw the reader in and keep them entranced. The first line and paragraph are crucial to catch the reader’s attention and alert them that they are reading something unique that they should devote their limited time to.
What Should be the Focus?
The college essay must depict an event or a day or a certain time that was pivotal in the student’s life. The essay cannot encompass the lifespan of the student. Stay on focus and keep the essay on track to describe one crucial time in the student’s life. Pick an event that shows the true character of the student. Use the event to show the student’s priorities for their adult life.
- For example does the student want to have a career that will serve the world via charity work? Then write a college essay about the day the student participated in a charity event and made the decision to major in business and start a non-profit after graduation.
- Or does the student want to be a doctor? Then describe the day the student was driving home from school and saw a terrible car accident and rushed over to help the victims.
The key to a great college essay is to think through one’s goals and one’s life experiences and pick an event to describe that is interesting and shows the life path the student will be starting when they enter college. Advise students to talk to family members and ask opinions about key events from their lives. Sometimes other people remember more details about a teenager’s life than the teenager does. Also, once the essay is written ask at least three people who know the writer well to read the essay and offer advice.
How Much Time Should it Take to Write?
A college essay is a chance for a teenager to really think about goals for their life. It is a crucial step in the college admissions process. Teachers as early as grade 9 should start talking about the format for the college admission essay. Too many students reach grade 12 and do not have a clue about the format of a college essay. They think the essay should just summarize facts like their G.P.A and school activities. They do not realize they have to pick an event or a time in their life to create a tale that paints a picture about who they are.
The timeframe from the start of school for grade 12 and the time when college applications are due is quite intense. So help students work through the process of the college essay and create an essay that will ensure it makes a positive impression on colleges.
As the college application season progresses, keep reminding students to talk to the guidance department if they are feeling overwhelmed. Urge students to get their applications done as soon as possible to avoid procrasination and stress.