Writing a polished college essay that will impress admissions personnel takes more than just a winning topic and a steady writing hand. Students’ essays need to be authentic and engaging without making an admissions team feel like they’ve read it all before. To that end, we’ve compiled 3 tips for you to write a winning essay that is sure to stand out with the admissions panel.
Don’t try so hard to impress the reviewers; authenticity is key. But isn’t the whole goal to impress the admissions panel? In a word, yes, but it’s best to do so without crafting a dramatic and possibly far-fetched essay. The reviewers want you to write an essay that speaks to your character and values as a person. Personal stories and simple life lessons are more valued than flash without substance, and the reviewers are smart enough to tell when you are trying too hard.
Don’t repeat the information listed in your application. Stay away from the cut and dry facts stated in the resume you will already be including. Use your essay to instead paint a picture using the details. If you’re particularly proud of your community service, use this opportunity to showcase how a specific experience has affected you for the better, changed your outlook, or revealed a personal truth, not as another avenue boast about the amount of hours you have completed.
Your essays should reveal your winning personality. In the same way a firm handshake reflects a lot about a person, so to does your essay act as a reflection of yourself, so use it to your advantage. Write in a style that reflects your personality, sense of humor and personal attitude within good taste. This is your way of conveying yourself to the reader in the absence of a face-to-face meeting, and your best way to make a good impression.
Just remember: authenticity, originality and personality are all key. Best of luck AGPr’s, we’ll see you for our next post!