2 answers
Taniyah
Student
Summerville, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
443 views
What makes the best college essay?
What should be included in my opening paragraph and should I talk about my extracurricular activities?
Login to comment
2 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
The best college essays are honest and specific, reflecting who you truly are. Begin with a strong opening, such as a vivid moment or a surprising experience, to capture the reader's attention. Focus on showing, not telling, by using real experiences to highlight qualities like curiosity, determination, or empathy, and share the lessons you've learned. Mention extracurricular activities only if they reveal something important about you. Write about personal experiences or challenges and how you overcame them. Keep your story clear, avoid clichés, and stay true to your voice. End with a conclusion that ties your story to your values, identity, or future goals. Careful proofreading and feedback will ensure every sentence strengthens your story and leaves a memorable impression.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Taniyah !
Your question cannot be answered in a general way because College Application Essays are specific and different to each institution. You write your essay when you know the question prompt which would be in the directions for the application. It's not what you want to write, it's what the college itself is asking you to write about.
The best way to go about this would be to apply to each individual college separately through their website. If you use something like The Common App to apply to a bunch of random colleges, the question that the Common App may ask of you may not be what some of the colleges are looking for and it could affect your acceptance as colleges receive tons of applications through Common App. Some institutions ask applicants specifically to apply through the college's website. So consider this as you think about college application essays.
Some colleges provide one question for the essay and some provide a few questions that you can choose to write about. You will find that most of the essay questions ask you to write about personal experiences, values, and growth. Here are some random sample essay questions that you may see when applying to college: Why do you believe this college is a good fit for you? Evaluate a significant experience you’ve had, an achievement you’ve accomplished, a risk you’ve taken or ethical dilemma you’ve faced, and describe its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what traits you would bring to a college community and how they could positively affect those around you. What is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make in your lifetime? Explain why the decision is so important and the way your decision will impact you and others.
So, you see, you may need to write about any number of things and you'd know once you see the application. Remember that each college provides an essay question that they deem important, so using one essay for all colleges is not recommended.
In general, I believe that a strong essay is natural, confident and dwells on the positive attributes of the student, therefore having the college think the student would be an asset to their college. If I were reviewing application essays, I would choose the most positive and confident essays as being in the forefront. Also remember that colleges look at more than just the essay. Your GPA from high school and your SAT scores are very important.
So think twice about using one essay for multiple colleges as some colleges may want their specific essay topic to be used. Consider applying separately to each individual college through their website and do individual essays as requested by each college.
I hope this is something to consider and I wish you all the best !
Your question cannot be answered in a general way because College Application Essays are specific and different to each institution. You write your essay when you know the question prompt which would be in the directions for the application. It's not what you want to write, it's what the college itself is asking you to write about.
The best way to go about this would be to apply to each individual college separately through their website. If you use something like The Common App to apply to a bunch of random colleges, the question that the Common App may ask of you may not be what some of the colleges are looking for and it could affect your acceptance as colleges receive tons of applications through Common App. Some institutions ask applicants specifically to apply through the college's website. So consider this as you think about college application essays.
Some colleges provide one question for the essay and some provide a few questions that you can choose to write about. You will find that most of the essay questions ask you to write about personal experiences, values, and growth. Here are some random sample essay questions that you may see when applying to college: Why do you believe this college is a good fit for you? Evaluate a significant experience you’ve had, an achievement you’ve accomplished, a risk you’ve taken or ethical dilemma you’ve faced, and describe its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what traits you would bring to a college community and how they could positively affect those around you. What is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make in your lifetime? Explain why the decision is so important and the way your decision will impact you and others.
So, you see, you may need to write about any number of things and you'd know once you see the application. Remember that each college provides an essay question that they deem important, so using one essay for all colleges is not recommended.
In general, I believe that a strong essay is natural, confident and dwells on the positive attributes of the student, therefore having the college think the student would be an asset to their college. If I were reviewing application essays, I would choose the most positive and confident essays as being in the forefront. Also remember that colleges look at more than just the essay. Your GPA from high school and your SAT scores are very important.
So think twice about using one essay for multiple colleges as some colleges may want their specific essay topic to be used. Consider applying separately to each individual college through their website and do individual essays as requested by each college.
I hope this is something to consider and I wish you all the best !