what do the so-called ‘top’ universities look for in the essays?
a lot of ppl told me that it’s the uniqueness, the true creativity that u express in the essay… has anyone got some examples of what a good essay will be like?
im planning to ask three subject teachers of mine to write a rec each… is getting a 4th one from my housemistress (i study in a boarding school) a good idea? she knew me very well, so she can talk about how enthusiastic i am in my extra curriculars… tho i must admit that i haven’t got very many compared to other ppl, cuz my school lacks clubs, and i couldn’t join a team becuz i suck at sports!! i do do quite a lot of musical activities, and have got work + service experience and some awards at school.
shall i send in a tape with my music playing as well? (tho im applying for the science area) will they consider that as a bonus?
do i need a CV, or is a personal statement (squeezed onto 1 A4 page) enough?
<p>no.1 - there're some books out there that shows you how a good essay looks like. i'm writing essays too, so i'm afraid i can't tell you how a "good" essay looks like, since it might look good to me but not to the unis.</p>
<p>no. 2 - is your enthusiasm in EC mentioned by any of your three subject teachers? if yes, don't get a fourth. if no, u can get a fourth, though i'd advise you to ask her to write something more specific. enthusiasm in EC seems vague. how about zooming in on one of the ECs and telling a story?</p>
<p>no. 3 - unless you're applying to be a fine arts major or get into a music school, i wouldn't send it. they don't have time to review it. enough to mention how well you play in the recs, essays, etc.</p>
<p>no. 4 - personally i never write CVs, i use the format given in the application. read somewhere that they absolutely HATE CVs when they provide their own format.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Depends on which essay question sometimes. If it's like "Why do you want to come here?" they're going to want you to talk about SPECIFICS about that college that attract you to it. And don't just say location. But they also look at writing style. In fact, some schools (like state schools) give you the option of writing an essay or submitting one that you wrote for a class.</p></li>
<li><p>ONLY if she can provide information that definitely won't be included in other recommendations. If you have a whole list of musical accomplishments on your resume that you give to your teachers who're writing them, they'll be able to include some insight. Additional recs should be used exclusively only to add new information, not just enhance or reinforce what's already been said.</p></li>
<li><p>No.</p></li>
<li><p>What's a CV?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hehe, it can be read either way. That's the point. I wanted to play off the fact that Neo and one used the same letters.</p>
<p>And about the resume/CV - keep it to a minimum if at all. Colleges don't want to read extra info unless it will have an earth-shattering impact on their decision.</p>