The Dos and Don’ts of a College Application Essay
If you’re preparing to head off to university in the near future, you might have tuned in to one not-so-fun fact: it’s not an overnight process. Apart from doing extensive research and figuring out your budget, you also have to make sure that you impress the board reviewing your application. For that, some individuals depend on their exceptional academic records, others on their extracurricular achievements, and some on their outstanding application.
Perhaps one of the most important factors that determine your application is your personal statement, also known as “college essay.” The trickiest task includes coming up with an original and interesting personal statement — one which highlights your capabilities, compliments your strengths, and summarizes your future plans.
We understand that the process of sitting down and starting your essay can be a bit confusing. Some of you may experience “writer’s block”, while others may not know how to begin with the essay.
Prioritise
Before you begin writing, sit down and figure out your motives for applying. Take time to review the respective university website, their brochures and online student guides. Also look into feedback from alumni from that university. Sometimes, speaking to a former student helps you get a clearer perspective as to what to expect.
Furthermore, go over each course and what it has to offer. Go through the faculty members, the financial aspects, and the course requirements. Once you know these details, you can use them to your benefit in order to write a personal statement which demonstrates how you can meet these requirements.
Keep your options open
Always remember: don’t get fixated on just one university. College Counsellors advise students to remain careful not to show personal preference to one particular university, even if it’s your dream school.
Don’t copy someone else’s work
One of the most important things to note when sitting down to write your personal statement is to never pick up stuff from the internet. No matter how fancy it sounds, no matter how great the idea is — always make it your own! The whole point of calling it a “personal” statement stems from the fact that it is ‘personal’ to you! Also, keep in mind that most universities make use of plagiarism-detection software, so make sure you don’t lose your credibility along the way.
Don’t just be another face in the crowd
Make sure that your statement contains elements which highlight your personality. The entire purpose of having a personal statement is to let your individuality shine through. So, focus on mentioning why you are opting for a certain subject or major, and why it’s important for you to study it. Treat your personal statement as a chance to demonstrate your written skills and passions. It also helps to add in a line regarding what you would like to do with your education in terms of your career after graduating.
Our Department of College Counselling takes on the responsibility of guiding you through your dilemma of writing the perfect personal statement. Time and time again, your counsellors will bombard you with edits, improvised deadlines and endless feedback to make sure you submit a coherent and immersive personal statement. Here are a few important things to add in your personal statement:
The opening sentence or “thesis statement”
Coming up with the perfect opening line for your personal statement can be quite tricky. Earlier on, we discussed something called “writers block.” This mainly refers to the times when you have a lot to say, but somehow, it doesn’t come through on paper. In easier terms: at a loss for words. Writers block can emerge due to many reasons — pressure, nerves, your mood, or just a lack of motivation. The best way to ensure that your opening sentence is simple but impactful is to write it in the end. First, write down all your content, edit it, and finalize it. Once you have a structure in place, then plan your opening sentence. This will give the reader some context to your essay right in the beginning.
Don’t try to bluff your way through
Just to sound smarter, or look busier, don’t make up stuff in your statement. Writing something which you won’t be able to follow up on in an interview is never good. Usually, your interviews comprise questions based on whatever you’ve mentioned in your personal statement. If you’ve written down about a supposed language you speak, chances are they’ll ask you for a demo. If you’ve mentioned that you’re good at a certain sport, they could ask you for your scores. If you’re claimed you enjoy reading, they might just ask you details about the last book you read! This is why you must always be honest, and stay true to your roots.
Emphasize your strengths as a student
Universities are always keen on enrolling students with developed study skills; skills which enable them to study independently. It’s best to mention subjects which have helped you develop certain skills; be it analytical skills, critical thinking, or simply teamwork skills.
Mention your extracurricular activities as well
While the academic course you are applying for should always be the main focus of the statement, it always helps to add non-academic activities which have helped you develop key skills. Always try to link your extracurricular activities and whatever you’ve learnt from them to your present situation, and how the experience can help you in university.
Don’t keep the admissions team guessing
You must always justify and provide evidence for everything you include in your essay. Whether that is your interest in the subject, or clarification of your skills, back it up with an an experience!
It’s not just about what you have done
Give some insight regarding your chosen career or profession. For all those with work experience, mention it! Universities are eager to enroll students who have a clear understanding of the professional world. Mention the work that you did in your work experience, and all that you learnt from it.
Pay attention to detail
Check, check and check again! This means no spelling or grammar mistakes, no sloppy writing, and the correct usage of capital letters and punctuation. The panel who will review your university application will be very particular about these factors.
Ask for feedback
Sometimes, when you’ve been re-drafting and rereading your application over and over again, you can overlook a tiny, careless error (or maybe more!). To avoid having careless mistakes, ask a third person to go over your work. With a fresh set of eyes, you will get a different perspective as to how you can improve.
Team up with your teacher
The last piece of the application puzzle is your reference letter. Having a personal statement and reference that are in harmony is essential.
