WTH Should I Write on for the Common App Essay?

By Naazish YarKhan text (630) 915-8654, writersstudiousa@gmail.com; @collegeessaygal

As the gateway to your dream college, your Common App essay holds the power to differentiate you from thousands of other applicants with similar academic and/or extracurricular records. It is even more critical if you are a minority given that the Supreme Court has now done away with affirmative action. The essay offers students the opportunity to showcase their unique worlds, personalities and experiences to admissions committees. If you're struggling and wondering, "WTH should I write about?" you aren't alone. To create a memorable and impactful essay, here are tried and true tips that we at WritersStudio.us encourage students to use:

1. Don't Duplicate Your Resume

Select a topic that resonates with you on a personal level and highlights aspects of your character not evident in other parts of your application. Whether you're discussing a challenging experience, a significant accomplishment, or a transformative moment, ensure that the topic you choose reveals something meaningful about you.

2. This Isn't a Persuasive Essay

Many students make the mistake of using a persuasive essay format. This is a personal essay and the format differs. Further, you are allowed to use "I" and contractions to share your unique perspective and genuine emotions.

3. Write About Your Life

Write about the aspects in your life which not only come to mind easiest but where words flow more effortlessly when you begin sharing them. They don't always have to be big dramatic events. WritersStudio.us students have written about learning to drive, about a day spent with their dad fishing, about mountain biking, about preparing for a hike with the Scouts, to more serious issues such as suicide in the family, islamophobia, ADHD and anxiety.

4. Reel The Reader in

Remember to use that first sentence as a hook to grab the reader's attention. The introduction also sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Consider starting with a vivid anecdote, a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a strong statement that encapsulates the essence of your essay.

5. Tell a Story with Figurative Language

Leave listing extracurriculars and accomplishments for the resume. For the personal essay, use anecdotes and specific examples to illustrate your qualities. Instead of stating, "I am a determined leader," recount a story that demonstrates your leadership skills in action. This approach allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about your character. Feel free to use dialog, metaphors, simily, personification and more. It is what will make your essay memorable.

6. Embrace Vulnerability

Sharing moments of vulnerability can be incredibly powerful. Discuss challenges, failures, or moments of doubt that you've overcome. Admissions committees appreciate students who can reflect on their experiences and show resilience in the face of adversity.

Each sentence should contribute to the overall theme and narrative of your essay. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information. A clear and structured essay will make it easier for the reader to follow your story and connect with your experiences. Don't try to fabricate experiences or personalities that aren't yours. Admissions officers can spot insincerity from a mile away.

7. Highlight Personal Growth

Do admission officers really need to know you like binge watching Netflix? Or that your mom has had to wake you up for school every single morning of junior year. Be true to yourself and your voice. But be smart. Colleges are interested in how you've grown and developed over time. Discuss how your experiences have shaped your perspectives, values, and goals. Demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to learn fosters a positive impression.

8. Conclude with Impact

End your essay with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Reflect on the significance of your experiences and tie them back to your future aspirations. Avoid clichéd endings and strive for something memorable.

9. Start Early and Plan Ahead

Procrastination is the enemy of quality. Begin brainstorming and drafting your essay well in advance of the application deadline. This will allow you to explore different ideas, revise extensively, and seek feedback from teachers, peers, and mentors. A rushed essay is more likely to lack coherence and depth.

About WritersStudio.us

A college essay coach has the experience to help candidates write on themes that represent them best. They leverage years of experience to help college applicants produce essays that are potential game changers. We have served students across the USA and internationally. Our students have been accepted to MIT, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Northeastern (Boston), Tufts, Vanderbilt, Smith, Bowdoin, Boston University, McGill, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign; University of Wisconsin, Madison; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; American University in Washington D.C, University of North Carolina, and more. Learn more at WritersStudio.us, text (630) 915-8654, writersstudiousa@gmail.com