As college admissions season approaches, many high school juniors and seniors find themselves stressing over the infamous college essay. Parents often worry too, wondering how their child can craft a compelling narrative that will catch the eye of admissions officers. While the college essay is certainly important, it’s crucial to keep things in perspective. Your academic profile holds the most weight in the application process, and while essays are significant, they are just one part of a larger picture. Here are some strategies to help you tackle the college essay with confidence.

Understand the Purpose

First and foremost, remember that the college essay is your chance to let universities see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to learn more about you as a person and how you think. It’s essential to directly address the chosen prompt. One of the biggest frustrations for admissions officers is when students choose a prompt but fail to answer it. Stay on topic and make sure your essay reflects the prompt’s requirements.

Start with an Outline

One of the hardest parts of writing the college essay is simply getting started. A helpful approach is to begin with an outline. Jot down key words, partial sentences, and ideas that come to mind. This doesn’t have to be detailed or perfect—it’s just a starting point to organize your thoughts. An outline helps structure your essay and ensures that you stay focused on your main points.

Practice with UC Essay Prompts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the Common App essay prompts, consider practicing with the University of California (UC) essay prompts, known as UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQ’s). These prompts are more specific and require a shorter response, which can make them less daunting. Practicing with these questions can help you get into the flow of writing and refine your ability to express your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Get Feedback, But Not Too Much

Once you’ve drafted your essay, it’s important to get feedback from 2 or 3 trusted individuals. This could be a school counselor, an English teacher, a friend, or a parent. Choose people who understand you and can offer constructive criticism without taking over your work. The essay needs to be your own words and ideas. Beware of seeking feedback from too many sources, as this can lead to conflicting advice and confusion—too many cooks in the kitchen!

Focus on Supplemental Essays

For students applying to more selective schools, supplementary essays are often required and can be more important than the main essay. These essays usually ask specific questions about why you’re interested in the school or a particular program. Take the time to be clear about your ideas and do thorough research to show your genuine interest. This is where you can demonstrate how you’ll be a great fit for that specific school.

Utilize Available Resources

There are many resources available to help you write your college essay. Numerous websites and books offer tips and examples of successful essays. Some universities even post essays that they’ve enjoyed reading in the past. These can provide inspiration and a better understanding of what admissions officers are looking for. Here are two examples to get you started:

• Harry Bauld: On Writing the College Application Essay
• College Essay Examples: 10 Best Examples of College Essays and Why They Worked What Do Schools Want to See?

Ultimately, colleges want to learn more about you and ensure that you can write reasonably well. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and write in your own voice. Authenticity shines through in writing, and it’s this authenticity that will make your essay stand out.

Showcase Your Uniqueness

While the college essay is an important part of your application, it’s not the most important part. Focus on answering the prompt, starting with an outline, practicing with different types of prompts, and getting just the right amount of feedback. Pay special attention to supplementary essays if required, and use available resources to guide you. Remember, the goal is to showcase your unique personality and perspectives. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an essay that resonates with admissions officers. Good luck!