Hello from Curtis Hall!
In the Admissions world, winter brings a very different workload than fall’s travel. We are working hard to review applications and get answers out to you eager students!
The most popular question we hear about application reading is always regarding the essay. What do you like to read about? What do you hate to read about? How can I make my essay stand out?
For me, it’s one word: beginnings! As our eyes begin to tire from reading application after application, try to grab the counselor’s attention with an intriguing beginning to your essay!
I’ll give you the typical Do’s and Don’t’s, but here’s a word from our own counselors…
Kevin: “Make sure when you include the college name in your essay that you have the right college name in each spot of the essay! ”
Ken: “Solid structure: introduction, body, conclusion…and tell a good story! Know what I’m saying?”
Dan: “I don’t want to see the same stuff every day. Show me something that stands out; it’s memorable.”
Keith: “Write about something meaningful to you.”
Patti: “I do not like to see a sob story without a resolution. Show me that you learned a lesson in your struggle so we know you are ready for the next step in your life. The more unique essays are those based on a relation between the student’s life and a work of art (like a book, etc.). Avoid talking about another person; we want to know about you!”
Melissa: “Proofreading is important! Don’t accidently leave in the name of another school”
Erin: “There is no need to make up an outrageous story. It does not have to be the most stand-out story to be the most stand-out essay. Show us how much it means to you.”
Well there you go! Although you might hear the typical Don’t’s: grandparents, sports, etc. If your story is unique, be not afraid to tell it! Be organized, proofread, and let your true passion come through. While it’s true we read many essays about sports, I find it worth mentioning that I am now coming across many essays about theater productions as well. If you want to write about something that could be considered cliché, find your own spin on it to make it unique! If the topic means something to you, it will come through in your essay. Be confident and be meticulous in your edits!
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