How important are college admissions essays? Very important. Colleges receive quantitative data about you – your grades, test scores, etc. Essays paint a picture of each applicant; they breathe life into your application. Colleges would not ask you to write an essay if it were not important so take your essay(s) seriously.

Admissions Counselors will be using the new SAT writing section to compare your writing with that of your college application essay. It is therefore imperative that you do your own work!!

In the Fall 2007, we introduced the CAPS program (College Application Process Support) through which Mrs. Morris, senior English teacher, will review all college application essays for our senior students.  Your College Counselors are also happy to review your essays.  You may share the essays with others whose opinions you respect as well, but do not let the essays be edited so much that they are no longer your words and a reflection of who you are!

Some Helpful Advice

  1. Plan ahead. Leave plenty of time to write and revise.
  2. Read questions carefully. Think about what the question is asking. Make sure your essay addresses the specific question.
  3. Be original in your responses. Take the opportunity to make an impression – to share your values, talents, humor, intelligence, creativity, commitment, and passion. Make your essays memorable so they stand out from the crowd.
  4. Avoid trying to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
  5. Essays can show priorities or demonstrate your ability to synthesize and analyze. The essay can also explain exceptional circumstances. Essays can show how you react to opportunities and challenges.
  6. Be specific when responding to questions asking why you want to attend a particular school. This is a way to express your level of motivation.
  7. Even if it is not required, an essay can often enhance your application. The fact that you put in the extra effort to prepare one makes a positive statement.
  8. Make sure you do not grossly exceed word or space limitations. Avoid careless errors.
  9. If your essay is on a separate sheet of paper, be sure your name and Social Security Number appear at the top.
  10. Colleges check for plagiarism, be sure to use only your own words. DO NOT USE GHOST-WRITERS!
  11. Avoid procrastination.

****STUDENTS MUST MAKE A COPY OF EACH ESSAY AND RESUME FOR THE COLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE***