The college admissions essay has triggered fear and procrastination in high school seniors for decades. Where to start, what to write? To me, the essay offers a distinctive opportunity to provide the admissions committee with information not found in the application, transcripts or test scores. The 2017-2018 Common Application has seven essay prompts providing each student the opportunity to select a topic that is both meaningful and personal.
The essay offers students the chance to show the committee your personality through a story that is uniquely yours. Given this opportunity, your writing style should follow a few simple rules.
· Be clear and concise
· Simple is better
· Edit yourself
· Tell the story in your voice
Specificity, clarity, and brevity are your keys. Now write it, revise and write it again.