| There are some common mistakes made by college | | | | leaders can become good donors, even if it takes a |
| applicants with dreams of getting into college when | | | | few years. Also, good leaders tend to get good |
| writing their college admission essay. As a former | | | | publicity, which also reflects well on the alma mater. |
| recruiter for Yale University, I remember the | | | | Think about some recent Presidents of the United |
| reactions from admissions officers as they read a | | | | States, who was more popular with the media and |
| good college essay versus an average one. I would | | | | the general public, the silver spoons or the ones who |
| say that there are six mistakes that are the most | | | | worked their way up from the bottom? This is not |
| common and potentially the most deadly to college | | | | to say that there aren't legacy kids who go on to do |
| applicants when trying to come up with college essay | | | | amazing things, but the stories just aren't as |
| ideas during the college admission process. One | | | | interesting and newsworthy are they? |
| mistake I saw was: only focusing on achievements. | | | | Basically, I know how it feels to not want to stand |
| Many people are ashamed of the challenges they | | | | out like a sore thumb, especially when you are a |
| face, and some label them as "failures". I want to | | | | teenager and all you want to do is fit in and be |
| encourage you to view your beginnings as obstacles | | | | accepted (yes, even the "outcasts" are still in groups |
| that you overcame despite the odds. Believe me, | | | | and still seek acceptance on one level, even if they |
| someone coming from a public school with vary few | | | | do not want to admit it). I just want you to know |
| Ivy League grads will stand out over someone from | | | | that the older I get, the more I realize that what I |
| a prep school, despite what you may think. This is | | | | think makes me different is exactly what makes me |
| not to say that the odds are not against someone | | | | connect to other people and others become |
| from the "outside", so to speak, and with someone | | | | attracted to me. Do not be afraid to admit that you |
| whose family came over on the Mayflower (willingly) | | | | struggled with a subject, extracurricular activity, |
| and every generation attended HYP's (Harvard, Yale, | | | | family situation, economic circumstances, especially if |
| or Princeton), but believe me, those who know how | | | | you managed to excel after much hard work. Believe |
| to fight the good fight, are usually the ones who win. | | | | me, your persistence and perseverance will not only |
| The one's who know how to fight tend to be | | | | benefit you in the admissions process, but in life in |
| successful leaders, and Admissions knows that good | | | | general. Take pride in overcoming your hardships. |