Hey all, I'm a junior gearing up to start my college apps and I'm a bit stuck on how to approach the CommonApp prompt. What are some of the DOs and DON'Ts I should keep in mind? Any insights on how to make my essay stand out?
Definitely! Choosing your Common App essay topic can be overwhelming, but by being mindful of a few key points, you can ensure that your essay effectively represents you and your experiences.
DO:
1. Reflect deeply: The best essays are often those that offer a deep, personal insight or reveal some aspect of your character. Choose a topic that will let you tell a story with meaning and dimension.
2. Be specific: Instead of discussing broad themes or general experiences, focus on a specific event, person, or situation that has influenced you deeply. This allows you to give detailed descriptions and fully elaborate your thoughts and feelings.
3. Show growth: Colleges are interested in your personal growth and maturity, so your essay should show how you've changed or learned from your experiences.
DON'T:
1. Avoid cliches: Essay topics like winning a competition, the death of a loved one, or generic service trips might seem compelling, but they've been overused. It's challenging to give them a unique spin, so consider other significant experiences in your life.
2. Overly dramatize: You don't need to have lived an extraordinary life to write an effective essay. Even a mundane topic can have a significant impact on you and give you interesting material to work with.
3. Stray from the prompt: While you have some flexibility, it's critical to directly address the prompt you've chosen. Admissions officers want to see that you can follow directions and write a clear, focused essay.
As for making your essay standout, be authentic and genuine. Captivate your readers with your unique perspective and voice. The more true you are to yourself in your essay, the more you'll stand out from the crowd! Try showing your essay to a close friend or family member and have them tell you if it "sounds like you." You want the reader to feel as though they're getting a chance to know the real you, not a fabricated, polished-up version.
One last tip - don't be afraid to revise. The first draft will likely need some work. Take the time to edit it, smooth out the rough edges, and really make your essay shine. It can be a process, but the payoff is a strong, effective essay that showcases who you are. Good luck with your writing!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.