Choosing a College Admissions Essay Topic
Subject Ideas for the Personal Statement on a School's Application
Aug 27, 2009
So the application is filled out, the guidance counselor has sent in the high school transcript, required standardized test scores are in, and teachers, coaches, or advisors have mailed letters of recommendation. That leaves the admissions essay, a potential make-it-or-break-it component of the college application.
Find a College Essay Topic That Works
Even for students with strong writing skills, this can be a difficult task. With a little guidance about a topic, especially one that can show an admissions counselor something about a student's personality, it is possible to write a great essay. Topics ranging from interest in the school to describing a role model have been used in college essays, and are standard suggestions on the Common Application used in many U.S. schools, as well as on applications to schools around the world.
Why Apply to Yhis Particular School?
This is a question that many admissions counselors would likely love to know the answer to. If a student writes an essay about how much she wants to go to the school, a counselor will be more likely to make a strong case for her application. Why? An applicant who makes it clear that the school is her first choice is more likely to get in than an applicant who gives the appearance of not caring.
Advice For Writing an Essay About Why Interested in a School
The one catch with this particular essay topic? Avoid referring to the school's reputation ("Harvard is my dream school because it is one of the best schools in the United States, and will provide me with excellent educational opportunities.") Stick to anecdotes like a great experience during a visit to the campus ("On my campus tour, I realized that Harvard was a place where I would be comfortable for the next four years, while pursuing a program that will lead to my dream job.")
Describe a Person of Positive Influence
The Role Model essay topic is a common one, and can provide insight into qualities a student values and hopes to cultivate in himself. From a grandparent to a coach to a younger sibling, students have written touching and well-written essays about the people who have taught them something and had a major influence on their lives.
Important Experience
Common experiences students write about are overcoming an obstacle, achieving a goal, or simply something they learned. This can give the admissions committee insight into how the student will handle the demands of a college education.
Growth Since Starting High School
How has a student changed since the first day of freshman year? Was there some sort of school team or activity that helped him come out of his shell? Was there an overall improvement in her grades, participation in activities, and, most importantly, attitude? All of these are great to write about and, like writing about an important experience, can shed light on a student's potential for continued growth in college.
Final Words of Advice: What to Avoid Writing in the College Essay
Anecdotes make great essay topics, but Never, ever rehash achievements unless absolutely relevant to the essay's core (for example, when writing about working hard and finally achieving a goal such as winning a long-sought-after award).
From writing about interest in a school to a personal experience to things learned from a role model, the topics suitable for a college admissions essay are plenty. Most important for a student to consider is that the topic should provide all essay readers with some sort of insight into his or her character and potential.
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