Advice on College Essays

<p>I was looking for some tips on writing my college essays. One of them is “Do you KNOW AU? In 75 to 150 words,tell us why you are interested in American University and why you would be a good fit for our community.” What do colleges like to hear? I know to be honest & not too flattering, but I was looking for any other advice out there! Thanks so much!</p>

<p>They want to know what you find appealing/unique about AU, and how you as a individual will fit in and add to the campus community.</p>

<p>If you were looking into general advice for college essays, you should’ve posted elsewhere. Just a piece of advice – instead of thinking about what college admissions offices want to hear, think about what AU’s admissions office wants to hear (this goes for every school you’re applying to with supplements).</p>

<p>For starters, here are some things to question/ponder:

  • What is your program/major? Why do you want to do it at AU?
  • What does the campus vibe feel like? Do you fit in? (Look at [American</a> University - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/americanuniversity]American”>American University - YouTube) -> Student Life)
  • What initially attracted you to applying to AU in the first place?
  • What can you contribute to AU from your past experiences?</p>

<p>Really general stuff, but obviously be genuine and consider how many other students are writing a similar or a version of your college essays…</p>

<p>Also, it is important to talk about the school itself, not just the location. An admissions officer wants to know that you aren’t just interested in AU because its in DC. Since there are many schools which fall into that category, it is important to be specific about the items that @bk4972b mentioned.</p>