Although completion of a challenging curriculum, high school grade point average, and ACT or SAT scores are most important to admissions committees, the quality of a student's essay may carry fairly substantial weight in determing whether he/she is offered or denied admission. And, as a general rule, the more selective the college, the more important the essay.
Moderately selective colleges do not generally agonize over essays. For the most part, they just want to be sure that applicants can write pretty well and put together a few coherent thoughts. Highly selective colleges may be looking for something that sets an applicant apart from others with a similar level of high academic achievement.
Except in highly unusual circumstances, an essay will not compensate for failure to complete a rigorous college prep program or for grades significantly below the majority of applicants. And, in most instances, statements which offer excuses for below potential academic performance will not be well received. Neither will statements promising that you will earn a 4.0 grade point average, someday become an outstanding alumnus, or lead the football to four record breaking seasons. Save your excuses and grandiose self-assessment for someone who cares, or at least someone who hasn't heard it all before.
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. Including honest insight about yourself. And, do not be reluctant to speak about areas in which you want to grow and improve yourself. Lois Lane is looking for Superman...colleges are not.
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
4. Being certain to avoid sounding like one of the transparent beauty queens who thinks she'll help her case by talking about God, her parents, her patriotism, and her commitment to world peace.
Very seldom will an essay make a good candidate out of a bad one. Unfortunately, the reverse is far more likely. That being said, it is important to follow the basic guideline above, and avoid any big risks. - 20897
Moderately selective colleges do not generally agonize over essays. For the most part, they just want to be sure that applicants can write pretty well and put together a few coherent thoughts. Highly selective colleges may be looking for something that sets an applicant apart from others with a similar level of high academic achievement.
Except in highly unusual circumstances, an essay will not compensate for failure to complete a rigorous college prep program or for grades significantly below the majority of applicants. And, in most instances, statements which offer excuses for below potential academic performance will not be well received. Neither will statements promising that you will earn a 4.0 grade point average, someday become an outstanding alumnus, or lead the football to four record breaking seasons. Save your excuses and grandiose self-assessment for someone who cares, or at least someone who hasn't heard it all before.
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. Including honest insight about yourself. And, do not be reluctant to speak about areas in which you want to grow and improve yourself. Lois Lane is looking for Superman...colleges are not.
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
4. Being certain to avoid sounding like one of the transparent beauty queens who thinks she'll help her case by talking about God, her parents, her patriotism, and her commitment to world peace.
Very seldom will an essay make a good candidate out of a bad one. Unfortunately, the reverse is far more likely. That being said, it is important to follow the basic guideline above, and avoid any big risks. - 20897
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.
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