How to write the Stanford letter to my future roommate?

Hey everyone! So, one of Stanford's essay prompts is to write a letter to my future roommate. I want to come across as genuine, but I'm not sure how personal to get. Can anyone provide some tips on how to approach this essay and what to include or avoid?

Hello! The Stanford letter to your future roommate prompt is a great opportunity for you to showcase your personality, qualities, and what makes you unique. Here are some tips on how to approach this essay and what to include or avoid:

1. Be conversational: Write the letter as if you're actually speaking to your future roommate. Adopt a casual, friendly tone, and make the letter sound like a conversation between friends. This will make it more engaging and relatable.

2. Share your interests and quirks: This is your chance to let your personality shine. Talk about your hobbies, interests, and anything that sets you apart. For example, if you're into photography or love to cook, highlight these passions in your letter.

3. Be genuine: Don't try too hard to impress your future roommate. Be yourself, and don't exaggerate your accomplishments or interests. Remember that the goal is to come across as a likable, genuine person, not to show off.

4. Show, don't tell: Instead of listing your qualities, draw from anecdotes and experiences to show who you are. For example, if you're someone who enjoys problem-solving, you could discuss a time when you helped your friends with a challenging puzzle or project.

5. Keep it balanced: While it's important to discuss your achievements and interests, also touch upon some of your quirks and insecurities to show your human side. Maybe you're known for being a night owl, or maybe you're a little obsessed with organization.

6. Mention how you'll contribute to your living situation: Talk about what you can bring to your roommate arrangement, like being a supportive listener or keeping the room tidy. This shows you're considerate and willing to contribute.

7. Avoid controversial topics: While it's important to be genuine, avoid discussing sensitive topics that could potentially create preconceptions of you or make someone uncomfortable.

8. Revise and proofread: Give yourself enough time to revise your letter and ensure that it is free of grammatical errors. You want your writing to be polished and reflective of your attention to detail.

For a detailed guide to tackling this essay and the other Stanford prompts, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-stanford-university-essays

Keep in mind that this essay is primarily about letting your personality shine and giving a window into your life beyond grades and test scores. Approach the prompt with enthusiasm and sincerity, and you'll be on your way to writing a successful letter. Good luck!