Application Essay

Application Essay Don’t be intimidated; unlike some college exams, the college application essay prompt is not designed to trick you. However, you must demonstrate that you can read and follow directions. The admissions officers are looking for a reason to disregard candidates. The essay should be more than words on paper or a glowing example of writing skills; it should be your story. The essay creates frustration for students, stress for parents, and an overall feeling of dread as the deadline for submission approaches. The essay, however, doesn’t have to be an insurmountable project. With the right information, realistic time management and good proofing and editing, it should be easy to write the best college essay you can. When you have compiled all the pieces of your application and sent it to the college/university of your dreams, all of your hard work gets placed in a pile with hundreds of other applications. Then a small group of admissions officers will review each application, looking over the scores and coursework and reading the college application essays. If you need inspiration, then read this MBA personal statement. This is an actual MBA essay of a student who got into the MBA at Columbia business school. These are excellent essay goals, but you should also consider the essay in relation to your classwork. If your classwork already shows that you are studious and determined , then you may want to highlight another feature of your personality. You have narrowed that list to the three or four most important ideas â€" the ones that will get you into your preferred college/university. Reading and answering the prompt may seem a bit obvious, but it’s often the obvious that people ignore. You should take the time to read and re-read the essay prompt, so you can answer it fully. Don’t let them reject you because you hastily overlooked a sentence in the essay prompt. Most students want the college admissions board to view them as responsible, dependable, and academically ambitious. The number of reads and the process for reviewing application essays vary from college to college. Among the top 250, I know my colleagues review essays because some are moved to “check” authenticity or to contact the school source to verify veracity of the context as provided by the student. It may sound like a chore, and it will certainly take a substantial amount of work. But it's also a unique opportunity that can make a difference at decision time. Admissions committees put the most weight on your high school grades and your test scores . However, selective colleges receive applications from many worthy students with similar scores and gradesâ€"too many to admit. So they use your essay, along with your letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities , to find out what sets you apart from the other talented candidates. The admissions officers are expecting you to celebrate yourself, to underline your strengths and personality, so they can make a quick, accurate judgment about you. At this stage in the college admissions essay writing process, you have considered the goals and psychology of the college admissions board. You have produced a list of ideas/attributes/details about yourself that colleges will find appealing. Boston is headquarters to a growing workforce of admissions essay editors who will hone college applicants’ personal statements for a fee. But the parents and kids lining up for their services have no idea what they’re really getting themselves into. Give the admissions officer a picture of who you are and the type of college student you would be if they offer admission. It is not just a mere listing of your experiences or your resume, but a more coherent way of telling them who you are and why you will be a worthy addition to their program. It allows the admissions panel to get a sense of who you are and what you value the most. A stellar essay will not guarantee admission, but it is a very crucial piece of your application. Sometimes these essays have word limits; for example, UPenn’s Wharton business school requires two essays, not more than 500 words, and 400 words. All good MBA essays communicate an accurate picture of who you are â€" not what you think the admissions committee will like. So be genuine and communicate that clearly to the reader. Admissions panelists read hundreds of applications every year, and they can tell when you are lying. Talk about things that concern you â€" any setbacks, weaknesses, health issues, depression, etc. These essays are an essential part of your application, and they allow you to market yourself and prove your mettle to the decision-makers.