• Writing the College Essay: The Heart and Soul of Your Application

    Please contact the College & Career Center if you need help with your essay! 

    A college application essay (also known as a personal statement) is the heart and soul of a student's college application. It allows èßäÊÓƵ to tell stories in their own authentic voice, helping the èßäÊÓƵs get to know who they really are. The "best" college application essay is one that's just as unique as the student writing it. There isn't one perfect example or template that works for everyone's story - the key is finding a way to express who you are through good organizational structure, original story-telling, and self-reflection while sticking to the provided essay prompt. 

    Write your essay as though it's a work of fiction - but make sure that everything is accurate and true. Selective colleges will check the facts in your college application to make sure you are not exaggerating or making anything up. Be creative! You can be (appropriately) funny, quirky, serious, etc. Your college essay is your opportunity to show colleges what makes you tick. They want to know who you are - show them with your words.

    Expect to write multiple drafts of all required essays. 

  • Videos describing best practices & strategies, topics to avoid, and AI

    Excellent video describing how to create a strong college application 

    Excellent video discussing the use of AI in the college essay. 

    The has fantastic videos and resources to help you write your best essays: 

    Get Schooled:  

  • Addressing Common Problems

    The following tips address the most common issues/problems that high èßäÊÓƵ èßäÊÓƵ have with their college essays. 

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    The following resources offer free online essay reviews:  

     

     

     

  • ABDCE: one essay format to consider

    A action—start in the middle of a compelling moment

    B background—flash back (briefly) to provide necessary context

    D development— using details  to build to a critical moment 

    C climax—moment of greatest suspense or challenge

    E ending (or explanation)—wrap it up, clarify significance of event to you

    Be focused & concise. Tell a story about a key experience or moment of growth; don’t attempt a full autobiography. 

     

  • Common App Essay Prompts, Max 650 words (choose one)

    Most èßäÊÓƵ will write the essay. In addition, many èßäÊÓƵ may also write a few supplemental essays. Make sure to check each college's application to know what they require.

    1. (BACKGROUND) Some èßäÊÓƵ have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story. 

    2. (OVERCOMING OBSTACLES) The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

    3. (CHALLENGING AN IDEA) Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

    4. (GRATITUDE) Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

    5. (PERSONAL GROWTH) Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

    6. (IDEAS) Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

    7. (ANYTHING!!) Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.