With summer approaching, students are getting ready to work on their college essays. Let’s take a closer look at where and how the essay fits into the admission process, the different types of essays a student is typically required to write, and what colleges like to see in essays.

 

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Overview of a college essay

 

US universities follow a holistic review process while evaluating students for college admission, and look beyond the quantitative pieces. The application package comprises of different sections – each section is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle and the complete picture represents you. The essays are an integral part, without which the puzzle would be incomplete.

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One of the key criteria for college admissions is potential for success. Your essay response provides vital clues to who you are as a person and how you are likely to behave in and react to different situations. Think of your essay as an open canvas to share your story. How you see yourself, your strengths, your ideas, your interests, your dreams… In short, whatever is meaningful to you.

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Think of it this way. Your grades and scores talk about your academic prowess. Letters of recommendation let the admissions office know, how others see you and what they see in you. Essays tell colleges how you see yourself, now and in future.

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What do colleges look for?

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Each college has a different set of requirements in terms of academic excellence and personal strengths that they look for in potential applicants.

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Colleges value the unique perspectives that students bring and seek applicants who will contribute to and enrich their student body and community. They are keen that you grow and thrive and also contribute to the uniqueness of their institution. They want to know why you are great, but more importantly they want to know, why you are a great match for them.

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Colleges like to hear from you about your life experiences and the impact it had on you. They want you to talk not just about what you do, but also why you do it, events that challenged you and how you responded, the initiative with which you embrace opportunities, the courage with which you face adversity.

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Colleges are looking for demonstrated behavior that exhibits an enormous ability, enthusiasm, and eagerness for learning and expanding your intellectual horizons.

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What should my essay say?

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• The goal of the essay is to convey your strength of character, share your vision and talk about what fascinates you and what you are passionate about, how you dealt with adversity and the lessons you learnt. Your objective is to give the reader an insight into who you are and how the events in your life have shaped you as a person

• The essay topic or prompt is your framework to present your story. It is important to choose a topic that is close to your heart, one that provides you with the best possible opportunity to showcase your personality and share experiences which best reflect your individual circumstances

• Your essay should be authentic viz. true to your own personality, spirit, and character. Write about what appeals to you and what you find interesting. Talk about anything of personal importance, and be sure to explain why it is significant to you. Write about what you want to share as against what you believe the reader would like to read.

 

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Remember that there is no one correct way to go about it. Your essay has to be your own. Go with your gut, listen to your heart and write boldly with confidence. That alone will lead you on the path to writing a winning essay.

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We’d love to hear from you with your queries and feedback. For a limited time, we are offering to share expert feedback on one of your essays for free. Please write to us at the email address support@ugadmin.com today. Be sure to read our article on College Essays - Part II and feel free to let us know what other topics you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters.

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College & Me is a series of articles featuring useful information about College Admissions for undergraduate degree programs in US colleges.

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