Help with my Fordham essay?

I'm struggling with my Fordham essay, and I'm curious to know if any current Fordham students or recent applicants have any tips or advice on how to make my essay stand out. What kind of topics did you guys write about? Thanks so much!

It's important to make your essay unique and personally meaningful, so I would suggest starting by brainstorming your passions, interests, and experiences that have shaped who you are. Remember that your essay doesn't necessarily need to be about a life-changing event—sometimes, small moments or everyday experiences can be the most powerful.

Here are some general tips to help you make your essay stand out:

1. Choose a creative, specific topic: Instead of writing broadly about a subject, narrow your focus to a specific event, moment, or experience that has personal significance for you. Show, instead of telling—use anecdotes, sensory details, and descriptive language to immerse the reader in your story.

2. Be authentic and genuine: Fordham admissions officers read thousands of essays and can often tell if a student is trying too hard to impress. Instead, be true to yourself and write about something you genuinely care about. Your passion and personality will shine through, making your essay memorable.

3. Reflect on the experience: Don't just recount the events of your story, delve into the deeper meaning. Share your thoughts, emotions, and what you learned from the experience. This reflection demonstrates self-awareness and critical thinking, two valuable traits for college students.

4. Keep Fordham in mind: While not tailoring your essay solely to please the admissions team, consider how your values or experiences align with Fordham's mission and values. For instance, if Fordham emphasizes social justice or community, you might write about how an activity or experience has influenced your understanding of these issues.

5. Revise, revise, revise: Your essay is a significant part of your application, so be prepared to spend plenty of time revising it. Ask friends, family, or teachers to read and provide feedback on your essay to ensure it is polished and well-written.

To give you an example, a student interested in communications might write about how they started a podcast with their friends to discuss diverse views on current events and social issues. By focusing on a very particular aspect and relating it to their experiences and goals, the essay becomes engaging and relevant to Fordham.

Also be sure to check out CollegeVine's guide to writing the Fordham essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-fordham-university-essays

Good luck with your essay! Take your time, be thoughtful, and let your true self shine through. With dedication and reflection, you'll be able to craft a memorable essay that helps bolster your Fordham application.