In my continuing series about researching the application requirements for each college, this week, I am discussing the college essay. The college essay is a crucial component that often leaves parents and students anxious. This blog post will give you an overview of how to find out if your teen needs to write an essay, how many they might need to write, and best practices for crafting compelling college essays. I'll equip you to help your teenager create stand-out essays!
Understanding College Essay Requirements
Researching College Essay Requirements
Each college has its own set of essay requirements. Here's how you can find out if your student needs to write an essay:
College Websites: Start by visiting the admissions section of the websites of the colleges your student is interested in. They typically provide detailed information on application requirements, including essay prompts.
Common Application and Coalition Application: Many colleges use these platforms, which streamline the application process. These platforms list all the colleges and their specific requirements, including whether an essay is needed.
College Counselors and Admissions Officers: Don't hesitate to encourage your student to contact the college admissions offices directly. They can provide clarity and guidance on the essay requirements for their school.
How Many Essays Might Be Required?
The number of essays required can vary widely depending on the college and the application platform. However, in general, there are three different types of essays or statements that a college might require or give the option to a student to write.
Personal Statement: If a college requires an essay, most likely, it will be a personal statement. The personal statement is typically a 500-650-word essay that is a piece of the Common Application or Coalition Application. Students get to choose their topic from the list to the right. Students can reuse this essay for each application that they submit.
Supplemental Essays: In addition to the primary essay, many colleges require supplemental essays. These additional questions range from short responses to more extended essays. Some colleges might ask for just one supplemental essay, while others require several. These are specific to each school.
Specialized Programs: If your student is applying to honors programs, specific majors, or scholarship opportunities, additional essays may be required.
Best Practices for Writing a College Essay
Writing a compelling college essay can be a daunting task, but following these best practices can help your teenager create essays that leave a lasting impression:
1. Start Early:
Time Management: Encourage your student to start working on their essays well before the application deadlines. Starting this process early allows ample time for brainstorming, writing, revising, and seeking feedback. Summer is the perfect time for students to craft their personal statement essay.
Brainstorming: Begin with brainstorming sessions to generate ideas. Reflect on personal experiences, challenges, achievements, and moments of growth.
2. Understand the Prompts:
Read Carefully: Ensure your student reads each essay prompt carefully and understands what is being asked. Different prompts may require different approaches.
Answer the Question: It's crucial to address the prompt directly. Avoid going off-topic or using a generic essay that doesn't fully respond to the specific question.
3. Be Authentic:
Personal Voice: Encourage your student to write in their voice. Authenticity resonates more with admissions officers than overly polished or generic essays. Their essay should not look like an English paper.
Unique Perspective: Highlight unique experiences and perspectives. Colleges look for diversity in thought and background, so personal stories can make a significant impact.
4. Show, Don't Just Tell:
Descriptive Writing: Use descriptive language and vivid details to bring the essay to life. Instead of just stating facts, show how experiences have shaped your student's character and aspirations.
Specific Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate points. Concrete details make the essay more engaging and believable.
5. Focus on Structure:
Clear Structure: Ensure the essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A well-structured essay is easier to follow and leaves a stronger impression.
Logical Flow: Maintain a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph should connect seamlessly to the next, guiding the reader through the narrative.
6. Revise and Edit:
Multiple Drafts: Writing a great essay often requires multiple drafts. Encourage your student to write, review, and rewrite until they are satisfied with the result.
Seek Targeted Feedback: Have your student pick one or two trusted adults to review their essay. Constructive feedback can help identify areas for improvement. However, if too many people provide feedback, your child's voice can get lost. College admissions officers know what an 18-year-old's voice sounds like vs. a middle-aged adult's.
7. Proofread:
Grammar and Spelling: Ensure the essay is free from grammatical and spelling errors. A clean, error-free essay demonstrates attention to detail.
Final Read-Through: Before submission, have a final read-through to catch any last-minute mistakes or awkward phrasing.
In Summary
College essays are a critical component of the admissions process, providing a platform for your student to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations. By understanding the essay requirements, starting early, and following best practices for writing, you can help your teenager create compelling essays that stand out. With careful planning and support, your student can navigate this aspect of the college application process with confidence and success.
As always, I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!
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Online Resources for Essay Writing:
How to Write A College Essay - A Step-by-Step Guide: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay
Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/apply-to-college/application-process/ultimate-college-essay-guide
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