This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College
Your GPA and standardized test scores are important in the college admissions process, but you are more than a test score. While many people perceive the college admissions process as a “numbers game,” most colleges want to know more about the person you are. They want to admit students who will add diverse perspectives and come with unique life experiences.
Your college essay, often known as a personal statement, is the best (and often only) chance you’ll have to show off these aspects of your personality. As a first-generation college student, you have likely overcome obstacles and had experiences that most other college applicants haven’t, and the college essay is the best place to express those parts of your personality.
Here are some things you need to know before you begin writing:
• Narrative: A personal statement is not the same as an academic essay, so throw out everything you know about thesis statements and supporting evidence. The personal statement is a narrative essay, meaning an essay that tells a story.
• Voice: The college essay does not have to be written in a strictly formal language. It should be written from the first person and should portray a strong sense of voice. Your personality should show through your writing; your best friend should be able to read your essay and know who wrote it.
• Length: Most personal statements are required to be under 650 words. Pay close attention to your word count before you submit (but don’t fret if your first draft is too long), and make every word count!
• Topic: Personal statements can be written about almost anything, but they need to be almost microscopic in focus. In other words, anchor your essay to a specific place in time and fill it with lots of concrete details to help your reader relate and visualize. Write your essay on a topic that is unique to your life and shows off positive aspects of your personality.
Supplemental Essays
Many selective schools require their applicants to write more than one essay (even those accepting the Common Application). You should spend just as much time and effort on these essays as you do on your primary essay. The school wouldn’t ask you to write it if they weren’t going to look closely at your answer.
Often colleges will ask applying students to write an essay about why they want to attend their institution and/or what the student will add to the campus. When answering these questions, be sure to do your research and make your essay as specific as possible. “I am drawn by Best Fit College’s cutting edge research facilities and reputation for hands-on learning” sounds better than “Best Fit College has lots of great academic programs.”