So it's your last year of high school; you are ready to finish off high school and move on to bigger and better things, which in most cases means college. The general perception of senior for most people is the year when everything becomes easy, and when you can really enjoy your last year. But for those that are applying to four-year universities, this may be the most crucial portion of your academic career. As most of you know, college applications are extremely time consuming; filling in all your information in the blanks, punching in test scores and AP scores, etc. But the hardest part of the entire process is definitely the admission essay/personal statement. There are thousands of kids who apply to a particular college every year, and most applicants exceed the requirements for admission. So what do these colleges use to differentiate students? Yup, that essay. It is the only part of your application where your personality really gets to shine through. While it may seem somewhat easy, many students write about cliche topics that bore admission officers, but here are some ways you can avoid these errors.
1. SHOWCASE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT DON'T GLOAT. In your essay, you should try your best to showcase your achievements. One thing these admission officers are looking for is to see how your achievements have shaped your aspirations, so it would definitely help to use it as the basis of your essay. But be careful to not to write in an arrogant tone; show pride in what you have done, but don't be a show-off. A pinch of modesty is key.
2. PERSONALITY. Too many kids think that using big words and trying to "sound smart" will improve their essay. Don't be one of those kids. All this shows to admission officers is that you are trying way too hard. So ease up on that thesaurus and just let this essay come out of you. Write in a natural tone, after all, the whole point of this essay is to help the adcoms get a sense of who YOU are. So, unless you use words like perspicuity and propitious on a daily basis, steer clear of them.
3. SHOW WHAT YOU CAN BRING. An important question almost all colleges ask themselves when reviewing applicants is "What can this person bring to our university?" Most colleges want a intelligent and well-rounded student body, so they want to know how you will add to that traditional college experience. Will you continue to give back to your community while in college? Are you proactive politically? Answering this question will improve your essay in many ways.
4. DRAFTS AND REVIEW. I recommend that for each essay you write, you should have at least three drafts. This essays needs to showcase your best writing, and I doubt that most people can whip out something amazing in one sitting. So proofread, and revise your essays. Also, having others read your essays will help you get different perspectives and input on your writing, which is extremely beneficial. So ask your parents, friends, or teachers to read your essay, you never know what they might say.
