2 answers
Amarachi
Student
Raleigh, North Carolina
2
Questions
Updated
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How do you write high quality supplementals for college applications ?
Hello everyone! I'm a high school senior applying to a lot of colleges with a lot of supplemental essay question! How do you write high quality supplementals for college applications?
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2 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
161
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, start with Teklemuz's answer.
Second, I would consider the essay as competitive, as you have others that also want to enroll, and if enrollment is limited, it is indeed competitive.
If you're careful, and this will take a lot of practice, and many essays, you can stand out over your competition.
First sentence is the most important, and if crafted well, it actually writes the entire essay for you, as in expanding upon what the first sentence states.
I would also give yourself a word count, and write the essay to the exact count. Discipline?
And write essays, different word counts, over and over again, with, obviously, different first sentences.
Second, I would consider the essay as competitive, as you have others that also want to enroll, and if enrollment is limited, it is indeed competitive.
If you're careful, and this will take a lot of practice, and many essays, you can stand out over your competition.
First sentence is the most important, and if crafted well, it actually writes the entire essay for you, as in expanding upon what the first sentence states.
I would also give yourself a word count, and write the essay to the exact count. Discipline?
And write essays, different word counts, over and over again, with, obviously, different first sentences.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Supplemental essays give you the chance to show colleges why you belong there and who you are. Take time to research each school, explain why you chose it, and mention something specific that excites you or connects to your goals. Use short stories to show your passion and how you are a good fit, highlighting your growth, learning, or problem-solving skills. Share new aspects of yourself that aren’t in your Common App essay. Start early so you have enough time to brainstorm, draft, and revise, and make sure to grab your reader’s attention with a strong opening.
Show how you’ll contribute to the campus community. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and support it with clear examples. Connect your goals, curiosity, or perspective to the school’s programs, culture, or values, showing how you will engage with and enrich the community. Write in your own voice, keep it short, and proofread carefully. If you’re applying to many schools, keep track of each school’s unique offerings so your essays stay fresh. Strong supplemental essays reveal your personality, highlight your unique experiences and interests, show your genuine curiosity and engagement, and leave admissions officers confident in your potential to thrive on their campus.
Show how you’ll contribute to the campus community. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and support it with clear examples. Connect your goals, curiosity, or perspective to the school’s programs, culture, or values, showing how you will engage with and enrich the community. Write in your own voice, keep it short, and proofread carefully. If you’re applying to many schools, keep track of each school’s unique offerings so your essays stay fresh. Strong supplemental essays reveal your personality, highlight your unique experiences and interests, show your genuine curiosity and engagement, and leave admissions officers confident in your potential to thrive on their campus.