Ok, so it’s December! And, I bet most of you are freaking out. It’s finals season. Papers, exams, projects are all due. Snow is falling and you’re wrapped in layers of clothes hoping to pass by a Dunkin’ Donuts for some wonderful hot chocolate. But more importantly, it’s about that time to press the submit button for the common app. Whether you are pressing that submit button in December for Early Action/Decision or near January for Regular Decision, I bet you are feeling anxious.
Hopefully, you already have everything written and you’re in a polishing state. If not, well get on it! I started a little late, and I always regretted that. I didn’t know what to say and I always pushed it back because I had other things on my mind. So if you are like me well then here are some tips.
Your college essay! It’s supposed to be the best 500-word essay. Every word needs to be important and meaningful. First, please avoid the typical essay. You know what I’m talking about. The buzzer winning shot or what your room looks like and how it’s a space of personal history. And, sorry to say but people who are reading your college essay don’t want to hear why Obama is your hero, or you ranting off on anything that seems a bit random.
They want to get to know you. The main question is why are you special and what can you offer to this college? This paper is all about you, but in a humble manner. Tell them something that no one else has dealt with. It’s like a mini-autobiography. Narrate a time in your life where you overcame an obstacles, show them what you are passionate about, but mainly be you. My essay was about my family, and how it feels to have nine siblings. Your essay can be about anything, as long as it’s well written, contains your voice, and has a positive reflecting moment: like how you grew from an experience and how you plan to apply what you learned in the future.
Now let’s talk about those supplements. This is where colleges want you to tell them how great their school is. So go on their page to do a little research. List any classes, professors, or special programs they have which might interest or relate to you. This is the cocky side of college. They want to be reminded how great they are and if you know it.
So time is ticking. Don’t feel stressed out. You have a few weeks to get it done. What worked for me were prayers. If you are spiritual I would just advise you to P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens! If not, then still keep working hard and doing what need to be done.
Please don’t procrastinate. It’s really great advice but it’s hard to do. I get it. I’m still struggling with it. I end up wasting hours thinking about doing my work rather than actual doing it. But, if you get a planner and make a to-do list that is actually doable then everything will be fine. Promise.