When it comes to senior year, nothing is quite as tricky as navigating the college admissions process — for parents as well as students. From planning campus tours to filling out financial aid forms, the entire endeavor can produce high-stakes stress.
One of the biggest challenges? Writing, or standing back and watching your child write, their official college essay. Summing up who you are and selling that in just the right way to your dream school is no small feat. Additionally, as an increasing number of colleges and universities no longer consider ACT and SAT scores, the essay is becoming more important.
But don’t panic — we are here to help! We consulted a few experts and pulled together five things admissions officers look for in a college essay:
- Authenticity. Use your genuine voice. As you tell your story, let your distinctive style, sense of humor and natural phrasing shine through. Embrace what’s unique about your personality or abilities or circumstances and write from a place that is familiar, not foreign. Share anecdotes and descriptions that only you can use. Admissions officers can easily spot when a student is trying to impress with language that’s too formal and stodgy, so just be yourself.
Pro Tip: Read your essay out loud for family and friends. If it doesn’t sound like you speaking, consider a rewrite! - A Strong Hook. Capture the reader’s attention right from the start. Whether you’re spinning a narrative, setting a quirky scene, asking a provocative question or sharing a bold hypothesis, aim to spark curiosity. Engage your audience in the first paragraph and give them a reason to keep reading.
- Introspection. This isn’t a term paper, so there’s no need for a data dump. Instead, embrace self-reflection and explore the events and people who have shaped you. It could be dramatic — overcoming the obstacle of a physical condition, injury or loss of a loved one — but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to share how you have become who you are and what you have learned about yourself along the way.
- Writing Skills. While you don’t have to write a perfect essay, you do need to demonstrate that you can write well. Colleges want to see a confident and correct use of grammar, vocabulary and punctuation. Keep a close eye on transitions between paragraphs, so that your entire essay flows to a logical conclusion. Revise repeatedly, double check when in doubt and don’t forget to proofread!
- A Glimpse of the Future. Wrap up with momentum and purpose. This essay is not only about who you are now. It’s also about where you’re headed — academically, professionally and personally. Share what you have to offer the greater campus community and let colleges know that it’s worth their while to invest in your goals and dreams.
Remember, this is your story, and only you can write it. Think of your essay as your one chance to speak directly to the admissions officers, revealing who you are and why you will be an asset to their campus.
Since 1988, Florida Prepaid’s goal has been to help make saving for college affordable and attainable for all Florida families. Build your perfect college savings strategy in minutes!
