{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"authorState":{"author":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2024-11-22T08:49:29+00:00"},"authorId":34597,"data":{"name":"Jessica Brenner","slug":"jessica-brenner","description":" Jessica Brenner has more than twelve years of experience working with teens and families as a college counselor. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Her freelance writing has appeared in a variety of publications online and in print. ","photo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}}},"authorLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":1,"total":1,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-09-20T19:16:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-08T15:22:45+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:21+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"college admission essays for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The college admission essay is a pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others and encourage a school to admit you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">Whether you</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">’</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">re trying to write a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> college admission </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">writing about </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">yourself</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">college </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admission essay is a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">very similar</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> credentials and encourage a school to </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admit</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">you.</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">C</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">ommunicate</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">clearly and</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.</span></span>","description":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">Whether you</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">’</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">re trying to write a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> college admission </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">writing about </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">yourself</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">college </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admission essay is a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">very similar</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> credentials and encourage a school to </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admit</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">you.</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">C</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">ommunicate</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">clearly and</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.</span></span>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8977,"name":"Geraldine Woods","slug":"geraldine-woods","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}},{"authorId":34597,"name":"Jessica Brenner","slug":"jessica-brenner","description":" <p><B>Jessica Brenner </b>has more than twelve years of experience working with teens and families as a college counselor. 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That doesn’t mean you can’t tap into some vital strategies to help you create the most memorable content you can and get admitted to the colleges you want. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some of those guidelines:</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Include details.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Also known as “show, not tell,” this tip means that you must write your essay in a way that paints a clear and specific picture of your topic and avoids sweeping generalizations.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focus the essay on one main idea.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> This doesn’t mean that you can’t have, for example, several experiences included in order to illustrate one main point — such as a character trait you’ve developed — but it does mean that you should avoid writing a complete autobiography. Find a key idea that feels meaningful and important to you and then zoom in. </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don’t repeat yourself.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your longest essay — your personal statement — can’t be any longer than 650 words, or about three quarters of a page. Many other responses will be shorter. Every word and sentence should therefore contribute to the progression of your essay or be cut — you have no room for redundancy.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use vocabulary and sentence structure that come naturally to you.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Because your essay should feel like a conversation with a real person, the last thing you need is something convoluted or overly flowery. With a bit of practice writing naturally, you can discover your writing voice.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"><br />\n</span></p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you struggle to read your own words aloud, that’s a good clue that you’ve probably overdone it with your language.</p>\n</li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be growth-oriented.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Even if you’re writing about an adversity or hardship, your essay (especially your personal statement) should ultimately showcase learning and growth — not simply that you’re a wallower. As you write and revise, consider what your reader will take away about your resiliency. </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p> </p>\n"},{"title":"The process for writing college admission essays (in brief)","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some students mistakenly assume that the best way to map out their own personal statement essay is to read countless college essays by other people. Even though reading sample essays can give you a good sense of what a final structure can look like, this step can only take you so far as a beginner. In fact, comparing your own initial ideas to someone else’s finished product can actually be counterproductive. Instead, you should focus on identifying the personal experiences, memories, and characteristics (specific to you!) that will most reveal who you are to your admissions readers. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some ways to get ideas churning:</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brainstorm important memories</span></b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Consider the moments in your life where your character was tested or revealed, or even the stories that stand out in the minds of those who know you best. Mining your life for material is your best starting point.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Talk to people who know you well.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ask them how they would describe you, what stories or anecdotes they might recall, or whether a theme you’re considering writing about feels consistent with who they know you to be.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose a central topic or theme.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Remember that you aren’t able or obligated to tell the complete story of your life – instead, focus on a key idea that reveals an important aspect of who you are.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gather details.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In order to paint a vivid picture for an audience who </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doesn’t</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> already know you, be as specific as you can. Write as if your reader is a blank slate when it comes to you and your topic —because they are!<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Select a structure.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> After you brainstorm, you can begin to anticipate how you want the final version of your essay to look — in chronological order, for example, or interrupted chronological order?<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Write a rough draft.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> And as you do, try to be patient with yourself. Your real essay will likely emerge out of the revision process (that is, the editing and rearranging that comes after you’ve made your first attempt to lay out your ideas).<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Revise.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Once . . . twice . . . then put your essay away for a week for good measure, and then revise again. Revising your essay is the key to not only catching grammatical errors and objective writing flaws, but also in improving your clarity and the overall framework of your essay.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seek feedback from a trusted mentor, friend or family member. </span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A second pair of eyes on your writing will help ensure you’re being clear with your essay’s aim and purpose — just make sure that you’re in full control of any edits or changes to your work. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p> </p>\n"},{"title":"Most commonly selected topics for college admission essays","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even though the best topic for your college essay is typically the one that feels the most meaningful or interesting to you, the writer (</span>Hint:<span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Can you brainstorm details and insights without a ton of strenuous effort?), you can choose from several categories of topics that can guide your personal reflection. These overlap with the Common Application personal statement prompts and are worth considering: </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A significant experience:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Notice that significant may mean either a positive or negative experience; with an essay as in life, it’s your reaction and perspective that matters.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A person who influenced you:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> When you write about an important relationship, you’re revealing your perspective, what you admire, and your takeaway from the individual (and where you differ). Such an essay can (and should) say a great deal about you. </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your perspective on a current issue:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you’ve been moved — in particular, into action — by a cause you’ve observed or even changed your mind about something you once assumed to be true, you have an important perspective to be shared.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A challenge you’ve faced:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In relation to showing growth (one of the “musts” for college essays), you should consider where it is you’ve been challenged or stretched beyond your perceived limits. Often you’ll find that your challenges have impacted you far more than your successes.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An important passion:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> When do you lose track of time or feel most like yourself? Your interests and how you spend the time that is entirely yours reveal a great deal about your values and character traits. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No matter what topic you choose, remember one important point: The essay should be about </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you. </span></i><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p> </p>\n"},{"title":"Deciding whether the optional college admission essay is really optional","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some universities include a supplemental prompt in the Common Application that’s labeled as optional. Even though it’s labeled optional, should you skip it? Heck, no, not unless you </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">want</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to come across as someone who either a) didn’t plan ahead or b) doesn’t care that much about the school. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p>Spoiler:<span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The optional supplemental essay </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">isn’t</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> really optional, with very few exceptions (such as the deadline is tomorrow). Otherwise, you should take the time to write a good, additional essay whenever an application allows you to do so, because leaving an optional supplement blank generally suggests a lack of interest or initiative on your part. The more your reader gets to know you, the more they’ll love you, right? And the essay is the prime spot to introduce yourself in all your complex glory. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the Writing section of the Common Application (just below your personal statement), you’ll notice that there is yet another place for an optional essay — it’s labelled as “Additional Information.” The purpose of this section is to give you an opportunity to answer the following question: “Is there anything else about your academic record or circumstances that we should know when we read your application?” Unlike supplemental responses for specific colleges, this essay actually </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> optional. If you’ve exhausted yourself for any possible special circumstances worth explaining and are coming up empty, you don’t have to worry about posting an essay here. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">One rather large pitfall sits in front of the optional essay: repetition. If you’ve already written your personal statement about the time you were appointed team captain of your lacrosse team, don’t write a supplemental essay telling the same story in slightly different words. Your audience is too busy to deal with duplicates. You can, however, write about two different aspects of the same experience. Essay number one may deal with the growing pains of your early leadership, for example, and essay number two with a particular game where you had to make an executive decision.</p>\n<p> </p>\n"},{"title":"The basic requirements of a college admission essay","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At least half the time, when something feels off about your writing, all you need is to take a good look at your structure. The following are the only real requirements for a finished college admission essay: </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Self-knowledge:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your writing should demonstrate that you’re self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses and should indicate your growth (or a desire for growth).</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Substance: </span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Include only the important details. That means no fluff. Cut all excess information so that every sentence of your finished admission essay counts, in the sense that it moves the essay forward. (If your piece reads just fine without a given sentence or two, that’s a good indication that you’re looking at content that isn’t important and needs to be cut.) </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A strong lead that grips the reader from the first few lines:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your readers’ (the admission committee members’) attention spans are somewhat limited. (After all, your essay is one of thousands they’ll read.) Without going the route of an over-the-top gimmick, use details and possibly an important moment in your life to start your essay. Doing so cultivates some curiosity about what you’ll say next.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consistent tone of voice:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You want your readers to feel as if they just had a conversation with you and have gotten to know a real candidate by reading your essay. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":1,"335559685":1440,"335559739":110,"335559740":220,"335559991":1440,"469777462":[1340,1440],"469777927":[0,0],"469777928":[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond these items, your essay might have nothing in common with your best friend’s, though both could be submission-ready.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}\"> 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Jessica Brenner

Jessica Brenner

Jessica Brenner has more than twelve years of experience working with teens and families as a college counselor. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Her freelance writing has appeared in a variety of publications online and in print.

Articles From Jessica Brenner

Writing College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2022

Whether you’re trying to write a college admission essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of writing about yourself might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the college admission essay is a pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with very similar credentials and encourage a school to admit you. Communicate clearly and convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.

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