<p>when is it best to start formulating ideas for the application essays?</p>
<p>Also, since i know very little about this part of the college application process, can you please explain their importance and use in admission decisions? Or, if you have some helpful websites/threads, please post a link!</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>The essay is one of the most important parts. I suggest you start thinking about it mid-junior year.</p>
<p>The essays are very important and are often used to distinguish between candidates with similar stats. There is one Common App essay and then many schools ask for additional supplemental essays. Many of the supplemental essays are short (around 100 words) while others can be much longer. I started working on my essays the summer before senior year once the Common App came out. It’s important to pace yourself when writing essays because depending on how many colleges you apply to and how many essays each college asks for, you may find yourself writing quite a few. I believe I wrote a total of 25 essays.</p>
<p>My personal favorite website for writing essays is <a href=“http://www.writtenkitten.net”>www.writtenkitten.net</a> </p>
<p>how did you come up with ideas for your essay that you thought would help separate you from the rest of the applicant pool?</p>
<p>I just answered the prompts honestly. I obviously tried to stay away from really cliche things, but for most of the prompts, there was really one specific thing that came to my mind to write about. For example, there was one question about a community I felt I was a part of. I instantly knew I was going to write about my high school drama department. I didn’t even consider whether or not that was extremely overdone. It was the obvious thing for me to write about and I was really passionate about it.</p>
<p>I’ve found when you are honest about your answers and write about something that has been truly influential in your life, your passion comes through. The admissions officers will be able to tell whether or not you’re truly passionate. It’s best to just be true to yourself. That way, admissions can really assess whether you truly are a good fit for the college. They’re truly assessing you and not just some person you want them to think you are. </p>
<p>so basically write about something that is unique and explains your passions/personality?</p>
<p>Basically. Just make sure it’s honest.</p>
<p>Essays are very important for admissions into selective schools. Here’s a video where an admission officer for Tufts give pretty insightful analysis of the importance of essays:
<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube;
I like how he says, “If the only thing I have to talk about in the committee room is how strong your numbers are, you will not get in.” I found that very helpful.</p>