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.
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.
What a good essay can do, however, is give you a chance to talk to an admissions committee. Take advantage of it by:
1. Expressing yourself to the best of your ability. Write, rewrite and edit until you are fully satisfied with the result. Then, ask someone who writes well to critique your work and make a final revision.
2. Offering honest insight about yourself. Do not be afraid to be self-effacing...admissions committees often find it very refreshing.
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
5. Staying away from the kinds of statements beauty queens make about their love of America, God, and 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. - 16759
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.
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.
What a good essay can do, however, is give you a chance to talk to an admissions committee. Take advantage of it by:
1. Expressing yourself to the best of your ability. Write, rewrite and edit until you are fully satisfied with the result. Then, ask someone who writes well to critique your work and make a final revision.
2. Offering honest insight about yourself. Do not be afraid to be self-effacing...admissions committees often find it very refreshing.
3. Telling the committee anything you want them to know which is not included elsewhere in your admissions file.
5. Staying away from the kinds of statements beauty queens make about their love of America, God, and 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. - 16759
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 degree programs.
