When writing college admissions essays, writing a good essay is just the tip of the iceberg. Admissions teams will look at thousands upon thousands of essays during this season, and can often tell within the first paragraph whether or not they'll keep reading. Writing a good essay is all about making it personal. You want college admissions teams to remember you specifically, so let's look at some ways to differentiate yourself from the crowd!
Show don't tell
Instead of saying something that happened, show how it happened. Describe things that showcase your work ethic. For example, don't say you're dedicated, tell admissions how you're dedicated through a story or experience. Use vivid descriptions to make the reader feel as if they're there living this experience with you. This includes taste, touch, smell, sounds, etc. When you're authentic about what happened, even the little details, humans are going to react to it.
Tie it to your future
Connect the story and the point of your essay back to how they've shaped your career and academic interests, or why you're excited about the schools opportunities. Tying it to your future shows admissions teams how you're on track with their college, have achievable and aspiring goals, and shows how their school helps you get there. Using a tone that's hopeful or exciting, or even one that pronounces anger or sadness, to promote your message and being able to connect it back to why this school is important to you is a persuasive tactic that admissions will pick up on.
Reflect deeply
Get to the root of who you are. For example if you're hardworking, what made you that way? How did this experience impact you? Make sure what you're saying isn't surface level, but truly reflect on who you are and how you got to be where you are now. Dig deep to remember the exact emotions you felt when describing your story, to the point where those who weren't there can imagine exactly how you feel and what it's like being in the experience you're describing.
We hope this helps you in learning how to personalize your college essay. If you haven't yet, take a look at our other blog post, which features more tips on writing a good college admissions essay!
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