Freshman Admissions > Essay Prompts

Freshman Admissions > Essay Prompts Tell the admissions officer something they can't learn about you from the other paperwork you've filled out. It's okay to expand on points you only mentioned in passing in other parts of the application, but make sure you are adding new information and presenting it in an engaging, creative way. Don’t be overly influenced by others’ ideas or essays other people have written. Don’t let anyone else write any part of your essay. DON’T tell the reader what they already know about you. Instead, tell them what they should know about you. Before you start writing, DO look at what the question is asking for and prepare yourself to respond appropriately. When you are thinking about your answer, ask yourself repeatedly if you are answering what the question is asking for. Nobody is going to learn anything of value from you if you fill your essay with complaints, excuses and self-loathing. Do provide new information that is not on your application. Do understand the mission of the school and how you will fit in. For example, maybe you're a creative thinker, or a great problem-solver. Emphasize this in your essay by writing about a time that those qualities helped you in your day-to-day life. Your admission essay lets you personalize your application. You have no way of knowing what the admissions officer's sense of humor is like, and you don't want to run the risk of a joke falling flat or, even worse, offending someone. Once you've brainstormed a list of ideas, choose one as the theme of your essay. Focusing on one theme helps keep your essay organized and to the point. Like any essay, the college admissions essay should have a clear thesis that summarizes your main ideas and presents your theme in an engaging way. Your essay also shouldn't just repeat things that you've already listed elsewhere on your application. The writing sample you submit will be considered in both the admission and competitive scholarship selection process. Be sure to include your full name on each page of your submission. Do tell a story in an interesting and engaging way. Don’t just relay the facts, but pretend you are sitting in a coffee shop talking to a friend. Do not embellish your essay or have someone else write it for you. Do not go over the word count â€" make it concise and smart. Take the time to make sure your essay is something you’re proud of. Do let your unique voice and personality come through in your writing. Do have a teacher, counselor, parent or friend with strong writing skills proofread your essay. Do write as many drafts of your essay as it takes to make it shine brightly. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing. One thing you absolutely should DO is read your essay out loud to yourself. To see if your voice and your personality are really on that piece of paper. Are you in that essay or does it just sound like it could be anyone else? When you read it yourself and actually hear your words, you are more inclined to identify areas where your writing doesn’t flow well or where you start to stray from your message. Don’t repeat what is found elsewhere in your application, unless you’re adding pertinent information to round it out. Do write in your own style and using your own words.