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What do I write on my College Essay Do I write about my interests??
What do I write on my College Essay? Do I write about my interests?
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Doc’s Answer
Sas you have a unique background, interests and personality. This is your chance to tell your story (or at least part of it). The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable. Many students try to sound smart rather than sounding like themselves. Others write about a subject that they don't care about, but that they think will impress admissions officers. Colleges are simply looking for thoughtful, motivated students who will add something to the first-year class.
OPEN STRONG: Knowing how to start a college essay can create a strong opening paragraph that immediately captures the reader’s interest. You want to make the admissions officer reading your essay curious about what you say next.
ANSWER THE PROMPT: Admissions officers also want to see that the student can give a direct answer while sticking to a comprehensive narrative. When writing college essays, consider the point you want to make and develop a fleshed-out response that fits the prompt. Avoid force-fitting prewritten pieces. Approach every personal essay prompt as if it's your first.
STICK TO YOUR STYLE: Writing college essays isn't about using flowery or verbose prose. Avoid leaning too heavily on the thesaurus to sound impressive. Choose a natural writing style that’s appropriate for the subject matter.
PROOFREAD: Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are essential. Proofread several times after you've finished. Then ask a teacher, parent, or college English major to give it a quick read as well.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
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Michele’s Answer
If the essay asks you to write about your interests, you should write about one or more of your interests.
The essay is a chance for you to show what makes you stand out. What is different about you? Consider focusing on an interest that shows your strengths. Perhaps you have an accomplishment in one of your interests. Or a challenge that you successfully faced.
Put your best writing into your essay. Consider your essay a short story about you. Make it interesting. Then check for spelling and grammar.
The essay is a chance for you to show what makes you stand out. What is different about you? Consider focusing on an interest that shows your strengths. Perhaps you have an accomplishment in one of your interests. Or a challenge that you successfully faced.
Put your best writing into your essay. Consider your essay a short story about you. Make it interesting. Then check for spelling and grammar.
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Patrick’s Answer
Sas, I appreciate you reaching out with your question. Drawing from the advice I gave my own children during their college application process, I'd like to share some insights. Remember, creating a captivating college essay is crucial in presenting your unique personality and qualities to the admissions committee.
While it's important to write about your interests, it's equally significant to delve deeper than merely listing activities. Explore why these activities are meaningful to you, and share personal stories that have shaped your worldview. Discuss how your interests have steered your ambitions and dreams, providing the admissions committee with a glimpse into your motivations and resilience.
For my eldest, I suggested focusing on subjects that illustrate his ability to tackle challenges, display his leadership skills, or underscore his dedication to community service, as evidenced by his volunteering at homeless shelters and food banks. This approach helps to create a balanced narrative.
The key is to stay genuine throughout your essay. Use your unique voice to narrate personal experiences, highlighting the positive aspects and framing challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I wish you all the best in your writing and college application journey. You've got this!
While it's important to write about your interests, it's equally significant to delve deeper than merely listing activities. Explore why these activities are meaningful to you, and share personal stories that have shaped your worldview. Discuss how your interests have steered your ambitions and dreams, providing the admissions committee with a glimpse into your motivations and resilience.
For my eldest, I suggested focusing on subjects that illustrate his ability to tackle challenges, display his leadership skills, or underscore his dedication to community service, as evidenced by his volunteering at homeless shelters and food banks. This approach helps to create a balanced narrative.
The key is to stay genuine throughout your essay. Use your unique voice to narrate personal experiences, highlighting the positive aspects and framing challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I wish you all the best in your writing and college application journey. You've got this!
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Emilie’s Answer
Sas, what a fantastic question you've asked! Building on Patrick's excellent advice, if the school doesn't give you a particular prompt or topic for the essay, I suggest you concentrate on your passions, any hurdles you've triumphed over, and the achievements you've gathered in your life. Remember, authenticity is key in your writing. Also, getting several people to look over a draft of your essay can be really beneficial. You're on the path to success. You're going to do brilliantly!
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Caryn’s Answer
Doc Frick has pointed out, this is YOUR moment to sparkle and reveal your true self, beyond the numerical data like test scores and class ranks. Absolutely, express your passions, but aim to delve deeper than just stating 'I enjoy doing...'. Instead, illustrate your personality and narrate your unique story.
Take me for instance, I reside by the sea in a balmy climate. I could simply state that I enjoy scuba diving, sailing, motor boating, and not a fan of fishing. Alternatively, I could portray a more accurate image of myself as a sun-loving individual with a deep fascination and respect for marine life and its preservation. I could emphasize how these passions lead me to subscribe, engage in, and contribute to environmental initiatives such as coral restoration using my scuba diving skills. This not only ties into my interests, but also illustrates how a healthier coral ecosystem fortifies the underwater marine 'architecture', creating a thriving habitat for more marine life, thus preserving the environment from the seabed upwards.
Take a step back. Reflect on your true self. Consider your hobbies and the goals they fulfill. Ponder on adjectives that best describe your essential characteristics. Then, weave all of this into a compelling narrative. Best of luck!
Take me for instance, I reside by the sea in a balmy climate. I could simply state that I enjoy scuba diving, sailing, motor boating, and not a fan of fishing. Alternatively, I could portray a more accurate image of myself as a sun-loving individual with a deep fascination and respect for marine life and its preservation. I could emphasize how these passions lead me to subscribe, engage in, and contribute to environmental initiatives such as coral restoration using my scuba diving skills. This not only ties into my interests, but also illustrates how a healthier coral ecosystem fortifies the underwater marine 'architecture', creating a thriving habitat for more marine life, thus preserving the environment from the seabed upwards.
Take a step back. Reflect on your true self. Consider your hobbies and the goals they fulfill. Ponder on adjectives that best describe your essential characteristics. Then, weave all of this into a compelling narrative. Best of luck!
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Amalya’s Answer
Hi Sas,
Your college essay should include your academic and non-academic interests, hobbies, life goals, dreams, and future perspectives you want to achieve. It would be better also to include your past achievements (if applicable).
Your college essay should include your academic and non-academic interests, hobbies, life goals, dreams, and future perspectives you want to achieve. It would be better also to include your past achievements (if applicable).
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Ann-Marie’s Answer
Sas, write about your history, what college means to you, and your plans/dreams for the future—in any order that makes sense to you. Your interests will naturally be part of the story of you.
Imagine you are telling a stranger on campus who you are and how you came to be there. Be yourself.
Imagine you are telling a stranger on campus who you are and how you came to be there. Be yourself.
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Kristine’s Answer
Hi, Sas--College essay time! Really exciting and a little scary, right? Doesn't have to be, though. I have a few bits of advice that will hopefully help--I'm a journalist and editor so pulling from that experience to help a bit.
First, remember there are human beings on the other end of this essay. Humans that are reading a LOT of essays. So, while you need to answer the question, how can you do it in a way that draws the reader in and tells them a story that is uniquely yours? If it were someone else's story, would you read it? Or would you tire of it quickly? Keep that person in mind while you write and you'll be amazed at the difference it will make.
They want to know who you are and what you bring to the table. Colleges are looking for a good mix of students with various strengths and abilities, but also for students who can go the distance. Use your story to illustrate how you're that kind of person--you don't have to state it outright, let the story do the talking for you.
Strong opening. Clear, concise middle that lays out a logical, cohesive story that is easy to follow. Then, strong close that sums up why you want this college and this particular experience--and remind them why they want you.
I hope this helps! Best of luck--college is such an amazing experience:).
First, remember there are human beings on the other end of this essay. Humans that are reading a LOT of essays. So, while you need to answer the question, how can you do it in a way that draws the reader in and tells them a story that is uniquely yours? If it were someone else's story, would you read it? Or would you tire of it quickly? Keep that person in mind while you write and you'll be amazed at the difference it will make.
They want to know who you are and what you bring to the table. Colleges are looking for a good mix of students with various strengths and abilities, but also for students who can go the distance. Use your story to illustrate how you're that kind of person--you don't have to state it outright, let the story do the talking for you.
Strong opening. Clear, concise middle that lays out a logical, cohesive story that is easy to follow. Then, strong close that sums up why you want this college and this particular experience--and remind them why they want you.
I hope this helps! Best of luck--college is such an amazing experience:).