Hey everyone. There are many books/websites that provides examples of “REAL COLLEGE ESSAYS THAT WORKED” or “BEST COMMON APP ESSAYS.” These essays are often extremely well written and have bits of methaphor/deeper meaning and powerful conclusions.
My question is… how common are these outstanding essays in the applicant pool at top colleges? I worry that my supplements are relatively “average” compared to the superb examples that I read online. If my worries are true, is it possible that an “average” essay can still get acceptance at a top school?
Hm, I think it depends. You’d be surprised of how many applicants write about sports. I heard that a good 80% of common applications tend to be about sports. An average essay can still get accepted, but your credentials and stats have to be very strong. It also depends on what school, because some put more weight on the essay than others.
Here are some tips to make everyone a better writer (these were given to my son by a very good writer - published).
The goal is to “make movies” with your words (be very active). Take them on a journey. four step process:
- Mad scientist - brainstorm everything related to your topic. Don't worry about length. Just get the ideas on paper
- Architect: Construct great organized format (so you're not all over the place)
- Edit (starting to narrow and slice) - Think of it as important real estate - every word counts. Critique every sentence (every word) and figure out the BEST way to move readers (be vivid). This takes A LOT of time- way more than the previous steps.
- "Don't be afraid to shoot your darlings" (Love this one). Don't be so married to your words / ideas that you have to keep them. Less is more! Many revelations in this stage. "Is this a good sentence? Do I even need it in here?"
My S spent a good two - three weeks on his common app essay (not every day but considerable time). When he was all done, he actually took #4 to heart and decided to change topics and start over. He felt his original was good, but it was a big “Who cares?” . Changed to a very interesting topic and it flowed beautifully using the guide above. Made each of his supplements easier to write as well.
Think about what you’re trying to convey and move from trying to conveying.
Keep in mind… a number of those letters may have written, or mostly written, by tutors. And the adcoms can spot those essays a mile away.
Your essay should be about you. It should be one that your best friend could pick out of a stack of other essays and identify as yours, because it couldn’t be anyone else’s.
That’s all you need to worry about.
Sometimes the most profound things are said the most simply.