Introduction - If you are like
most students, you see the college essay as another hurdle that you must jump
on the way to begin accepted at the college of your choice. In fact, the essay is not a hurdle but a
rare opportunity; it is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s
admissions committee and to help them “see” you as a thinking and feeling
person, rather than simply a set of impersonal statistics. Except for the interview, it is your only
chance to share your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your
accomplishments; and to convey your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college essay in this way –
as an opportunity – then it is clearly worth the effort to put some extra time,
thought, and energy into writing it.
Purpose for
the Essay - The college essay is extremely important
for two major reasons:
1.
It enables
the college admissions office to evaluate your communication skills. Through your essay they can assess the
clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey your thoughts in written
form.
2.
It enables
the admissions office to learn more about you as a person, beyond what grades
and SAT scores can convey. A
well-written essay can speak worlds about your attitudes, feelings, person
qualities, imagination, and creativity.
For the admissions staff, it adds another important piece to the puzzle
because it distinguishes you as an individual, different from any other student
who is applying.
Choosing a Topic - The choice of a topic is frequently not an
issue, because many colleges and universities will either give you a topic to
write about or present several rather specific topics from which you must
choose. Other colleges may simply
“suggest” broad general topics or give you total freedom to write about
something that interest or concerns you.
Regardless of whether you must respond to a prescribed topic or come up
with one of your own, here are a few general hints about he most effective way
to approach your topic:
-
Narrow your
topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible.
-
The easiest
topic to write about is you. No one
knows more about you than you. Since
one important purpose of the essay is self-revelation, it is no place to be shy
or modest, although you should not exaggerate.
If you choose to write about yourself, remember that little incidents
and facts are often the most revealing of character and outlook.
-
Do not be
afraid to write about something you think is a little different. A unique topic or approach is often
refreshing to a college admissions officer who has been reading applications
all day. Further, an unusual or offbeat
essay is an excellent way to show your creativity.
Preparing to Write – Before actually sitting down to write a first draft of your
essay, spend some time organizing your thoughts. Develop a framework for your essay so it will have a smooth and
logical progression from one idea or incident to the next. Consider your purpose in writing, what you
want to convey, and the tone that you think is most appropriate for the
topic. Decide on a style that is
comfortable for you, not one that you think the college admissions committee
prefers. Finally, remember that
organizing your thoughts and deciding on a framework does not mean you must be
overly rigid at the start; leave room for flexibility and creativity as you
actually begin writing.
Writing the Essay – You do not have to get it right the first time! Instead, write the first draft of your essay
with the main focus on content – communicating your thoughts. Then set it aside for a day or two, reread
it with a fresh perspective, and make any necessary changes. This is also the point at which you should consider
matters of organization, style, grammar, spelling, and tone. Once you have rewritten your first draft,
you may wish to try it out on your family, friends, English teacher, or
Guidance Counselor. While the final
product and final “voice” should be yours, they may be able to offer helpful
suggestions for technical or other improvements.
Within this general outline
for writing the essay, there are some “do’s” and don’ts” that have been
highlighted.
Do’s
-Do think “small” and write about something that you know
about.
-Do reveal yourself in your writing.
-Do show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating
your topic, you help bring it to life.
-Do write in your own “Voice” and style.
Don’ts
-Don’t write what you think others want to read.
-Don’t exaggerate or write to impress.
-Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style.
-Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar,
spelling, sentence structure).
-Don’t ramble – say what you have to say and conclude.
Your college essay, along
with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular
involvement, will provide the basis upon which the college makes its admissions
decision. A thoughtful, well-written
essay can affect in a very positive way that final decision. Keep this in mind and take full advantage of
the opportunity that the college essay affords you.
John
C. Conkright, Dean of Admissions, Randolph-Macon College