what is a college admission essay

what is a college admission essay

The Importance of a College Admission Essay

1. Introduction

In recent years, there has been a great deal of discussion and debate about the importance of a college degree. Students, parents, and educators are divided on the issue. Some believe that a college degree is an all-purpose passport to success, while others take a more critical view, seeing it as an enormous waste of time and money. It is important to note that every single person, no matter the age, has the ability to choose whether or not a college education is right for them. Those who choose to go to college must do so knowing they have the capabilities to pass the required classes; else they are simply wasting their time and money. While I am a strong advocate of higher education, I realize that there are many ways to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Still, the ever-growing number of college applicants vying for a limited number of spaces has led to a heightened competition. The importance of the essay has varied drastically amongst colleges; some institutions place great weight on it, while others do not read it at all. With the rise of hard data and statistical analysis, it is understandable that many college applicants are interested in a rubric or formula to aid them in preparing a stellar college admission essay. While such a thing may exist in the form of successful essays that admissions offices keep on file, it is not something that can be reproduced by any means, as it will not be genuine. This is not to say that it does not take careful thought and consideration; many revisions and much proofreading. The essay is a sole opportunity to convey who you are to an admissions officer, and you do this through the means of one written document.

2. Section One: Understanding the Purpose of a College Admission Essay

Students who understand the importance may seek admission essay help before they start the college application process. This can be a good decision, and the admissions essay help delivered would be in many forms. A student can seek admission essay help from the tutor who often has experience with this type of writing. Often, students may seek outside admission essay help from a pro. The pro can offer a student with excellent suggestions on how to improve their essay. There are extensive examples and practice sheets online that can aid in getting the right quantity of practice on this tricky writing exercise.

The writer could be at any phase in her or his life when crafting the essay. At the beginning, this could be the first necessary step for the writer to take in applying to colleges and would have the possibility to open numerous doors in their academic career. The writer may also be well experienced with the college application process and is applying to graduate school. In this case, a top-quality essay is even more crucial.

According to a report from the College Board, an applicant’s grades, strength of curriculum, and admission test score are the most important factors in the college admission decision. However, a majority of schools regard the application essay as a key method they use to learn more about a prospective student and that often times can make or break a student’s acceptance into a particular school. Since the essay is a very important part of the application process, the student must make sure to put forth their best effort.

3. Section Two: Crafting a Compelling Personal Narrative

College admissions officers consistently rank the personal essay as one of the most important factors in their decision to admit or deny students (Duke, Furhman, and Holy Cross). This interactive role it plays in the application process, stated in Ernst and Young’s Student Quest, is often neglected by students while following college entrance regimens. The importance of an essay has never been in doubt. Topics, incidents, and occurrences that occur have a subsequent effect on an individual, forcing them to reflect on their personal viewpoints, hopefully in a manner assertive enough to influence a change. This process of introspection and articulation, to a certain extent, grants a student a type of maturity and insight that can only be attained through personal experience and thought. Presenting these thoughts in written form further solidifies this awareness, and colleges seek those who have reached this level of understanding. A personal narrative is an inner reflective story which found its inception on the Harvard step, in Baker hall, 20 years ago. Established by Ed Bursk, The Write on Sports program has been nurturing young writing talent as well as supplying inner city youths with an opportunity to improve short term literacy skills. Bursk has seen the essay act as a tool for personal growth stating that, “It’s that growing sense of articulateness, that growing sense of awareness that these kids have. And it’s a quiet, slow thing but every year I see them more able to grasp concepts.” By reaching this personal growth a compelling essay will display a student’s acquired identity. This is invaluable for a college to see what type of person is attempting to gain admission, what experiences have shaped them, and what level of character do they possess. All aspects of the person’s identity are what guide the college’s decision, and a well-constructed essay is a key factor in determining that outcome.

4. Section Three: Showcasing Academic and Extracurricular Achievements

What you have achieved in life is testament to yourself: let’s face it, any extracurricular accomplishments or life-altering events are for your own benefit – not for the gratification of others. The same can be said about academic achievement; good grades are the gratification of the effort put into learning. But people learn and achieve for many different reasons. The most salient of these is that people strive for excellence to be noticed; whether it is by loved ones, teachers, or even ourselves. Failing to be recognized is a deflating prospect; what’s the point in working hard if we aren’t going to be noticed? This is no more apparent than to the high school student coming towards the milestone of entering the college world. A time in their life where an amalgamation of their learning and achievements is required to be showcased for the very definite purpose of being noticed, in a hope that they may reach the pinnacle of success both academically and in their future vocation. Now one could take the gambler’s stance and simply list all of their achievements hoping that the admission staff will note each and every one and in yield grant a place at their esteemed college but there a far better methods that can be utilized to ensure that one’s academic and extracurricular achievements do not go unnoticed. In accordance with Writing Personal Statements Online (2010), the following describes the most effective measures by which such objectives may be realized.

5. Conclusion: The Power of a Well-Written College Admission Essay

Self-discovery is the hardest part of the essay. How does one write of himself and his experiences without being indirect and theme-like? A place to start is the various prompts the colleges present. To show his high school growth at a Catholic boys school, the author took the Archdiocesan Diploma which is a testament of his Catholic studies and values. But that is still indirect. A master songwriter and musician once said, “get it all down and then go back, you can always change around.” This tool of idea mapping on scrap paper is very helpful. Write down on the center of the page, “I am x and y” the student wants to convey. Then make arrows to various short stories that prove x and y. From this, a rough outline of the essay can be developed. Always keep the self-imposed theme in mind and always stay away from any unspecific entry. An essay in self-discovery will have proven its worth when the various points can be compared to the college in question. This proves not only a match between student and college but a revealing success.

A memorable essay will distinguish the student from the others who do no more than apply. This separates the quality number two pencil from the mechanical pencil. Both are capable of writing, but only one has a defining character, a defining story to tell. This should always be in the back of the student’s mind while writing. An essay rich in structure and sparkling in wit is useless if it does nothing to inform the college of who the student really is.

Essays done in theme have no place in the application process. In an indirect way, this is a pitch for the student to get in, veiling his true self and trying to adapt to the college. Colleges seek students who will thrive on their campuses, not students who need a manual to pull through a forced academic venture. A student who lacks self-confidence and direction will often take this approach. Theme essays are also a dime a dozen and do nothing to set the student apart.

All this leads to one well-supported conclusion: The essay is a supremely important piece of the college admission process. This importance should not be underestimated. This essay can be the difference between an offer or rejection from the college of your dreams. It is the one chance to speak directly to the admissions officer and show who you are. But the important aspects of the essay are not the same for everyone. The essay should always be about you.