| Dear Mr. Bradshaw -- I'm applying to college and I'm a | | | | The second essay on the Common Application is the |
| little confused about the essays. Most colleges require | | | | personal essay. This one requires a minimum of 250 |
| a personal essay, but some of the more selective | | | | words. Because there is no word limit, you can write |
| colleges require several additional essays. | | | | a good story without fear of leaving something out |
| Some of them are limited to 150 words or even to | | | | that is critical for them to know about you -- |
| just 120 characters. Are these shorter essays really | | | | difficulties overcome, prizes won, special research |
| important? Or are they just fill-in-the-blank type | | | | that led to your interest in computer science, for |
| questions about which I don't have to worry? -- | | | | example. Remember, you have to make it interesting. |
| Applicant. | | | | It is not meant to be a valedictory speech filled with |
| Dear Applicant -- Indeed, the short essays are | | | | lofty (but vacuous) imagery. |
| important, and you should take them very seriously. | | | | This is your only chance to plead your case directly |
| Colleges need more than one way to evaluate you, | | | | to the supreme court of the admissions committee -- |
| so they came up with a series of short essays. Each | | | | and jump over the heads of references, interviews |
| one is assigned a numerical score. These scores are | | | | and all the other paper work that fills up your folder. |
| then tallied, along with the rest of the application -- | | | | The key is, the personal essay must be written |
| grades, test scores, extracurricular activities. | | | | persuasively. It is undoubtedly the most important |
| Together, they make up your overall evaluation. This | | | | writing you will do, since it will have a direct bearing |
| what they use when they vote to admit or reject | | | | on your admission. |
| you. | | | | I know students who have been rejected when the |
| Short essays help colleges identify what admissions | | | | only discernable reason was a poorly written essay. |
| committees call "noncognitive traits." These include | | | | Above all, avoid preening before the admissions |
| such intangibles as leadership ability, toughness of | | | | committee. Don't come across as overly intellectual or |
| character and creativity. They also help colleges | | | | an egotist. |
| identify students who might have a higher risk of | | | | If you have perfect SAT scores, now is not the time |
| dropping out or who need extra tutoring. | | | | to trumpet them. Many top students fall prey to this |
| Many colleges follow the format of the Common | | | | affliction. Colleges prefer reading about you as a |
| Application and require two essays. The first is the | | | | person; they already know how smart you are from |
| short-answer essay: "Please briefly elaborate on one | | | | your transcripts. |
| of your extracurricular activities or work experience." | | | | Keep in mind, colleges have been known to overlook |
| This is the one you pointed out as being limited to | | | | less- than-stellar academic qualifications if the applicant |
| 150 words. Admissions officials are looking for | | | | writes a compelling essay. I spend a lot of time |
| personality traits that go beyond grade-point | | | | driving home this point to my clients. |
| averages and standardized test scores. | | | | Another danger lies with seniors who become bored |
| If you take the time to write a great essay, it should | | | | filling out the application and wait until the last minute |
| improve your odds of getting in. But if you write a | | | | to complete the essays -- and risk bombing. Smart |
| boring essay, regardless if it is well-written, you run | | | | students take advantage, plan ahead and write a |
| the risk of rejection -- even with top grades and test | | | | masterpiece. |
| scores. | | | | |