While not the most important documents in your admissions file, good essays can be the difference between receiving the decision you want and the decision you dread. And, they may be most important at the extremely selective colleges and universities, where virtually all applicants display similarly impressive grade point averages, class rank, and standardized test scores.
In fact, some colleges use essays merely to ensure that applicants can write acceptably. The Harvard's, Yale's, and Princeton's of the world may view essays with far more discerning eyes.
Almost never will an essay, however good, compensate for sub par academic achievement. And, offering excuses for mediocre academic performance is seldom a good idea. As a professor with whom I served on an admissions committee used to say, "Everyone's grandmother dies". Promising to earn a 4.0 GPA, score touchdowns, or become a wealthy and generous alumnus will not help either.
Think of the essays as a great opportunity...a great opportunity not to be wasted. Make the most of it by:
1. Be as articulate and thoughtful as possible, without sounding stilted. Have others proofread and critique your work until it is your best work.
2. Talking about yourself honestly. In fact, talking about an instance in which you learned from a mistake or by falling short of a goal may well make you both more likeable and more credible (especially if there is a "happy ending").
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
4. Avoiding self-serving cliches about patriotism, family, God, or service to humanity.
A great essay will seldom offset mediocre academic performance. But, a poor essay can sink an otherwise fairly attractive candidate. In other words, follow the suggestions above, remember for whom you're writing, and don't take any big chances. - 16752
In fact, some colleges use essays merely to ensure that applicants can write acceptably. The Harvard's, Yale's, and Princeton's of the world may view essays with far more discerning eyes.
Almost never will an essay, however good, compensate for sub par academic achievement. And, offering excuses for mediocre academic performance is seldom a good idea. As a professor with whom I served on an admissions committee used to say, "Everyone's grandmother dies". Promising to earn a 4.0 GPA, score touchdowns, or become a wealthy and generous alumnus will not help either.
Think of the essays as a great opportunity...a great opportunity not to be wasted. Make the most of it by:
1. Be as articulate and thoughtful as possible, without sounding stilted. Have others proofread and critique your work until it is your best work.
2. Talking about yourself honestly. In fact, talking about an instance in which you learned from a mistake or by falling short of a goal may well make you both more likeable and more credible (especially if there is a "happy ending").
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
4. Avoiding self-serving cliches about patriotism, family, God, or service to humanity.
A great essay will seldom offset mediocre academic performance. But, a poor essay can sink an otherwise fairly attractive candidate. In other words, follow the suggestions above, remember for whom you're writing, and don't take any big chances. - 16752
About the Author:
Daniel Kane is an educator who has served on several admissions committees. His websites, designed for traditional students and working adults, deal with topics like online colleges, and online degrees.
