How to Write the PERFECT Why Our School Essay in 2024 | Ivy League Supplemental Masterclass

Summary

In this video, Kevin Zen offers essential tips for crafting compelling college supplemental essays. He emphasizes the importance of closely analyzing the essay prompts, highlighting specific courses and unique aspects of each school. Zen advocates for showcasing personal contributions to campus life and presents two successful essay examples from Northwestern and Dartmouth, illustrating how personal narratives and detailed lists can effectively convey a student's fit and enthusiasm. Ultimately, he encourages engagement with current students for insights and stresses the need for specificity to stand out in the competitive admissions process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pay close attention to the wording of each college's essay prompt; different schools have different focuses.
• 📚 Mention specific details about the school, such as courses, professors, or unique traditions to demonstrate knowledge.
• 💡 It's beneficial to identify and connect with current students for insights about the school and its community.
• 📝 Clearly articulate how your background and experiences uniquely position you to contribute to the campus environment.
• 🔍 Analyze different prompts carefully to understand what each institution is specifically looking for in applicants.
• 🏆 A successful essay often combines personal storytelling with specific examples that align with the school's values.
• 📖 Start essays with engaging narratives that capture your interests and how they relate to the college's offerings.
• 🎓 Integrate your academic interests into your essay, showcasing how you can explore diverse fields at the college.
• 🌍 Highlight your experiences and how they have shaped your desire to be part of the college community.
• ✨ Use proper nouns effectively; essays should contain at least two specific references to demonstrate genuine interest.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Kevin Zen's video?

The video provides guidance on how to write effective supplemental essays for college applications, highlighting key strategies and examples.

What is the first golden rule for writing a college supplemental essay?

The first golden rule is to pay close attention to the precise wording of the prompt, as different schools have different focuses.

How do the prompts from Columbia, Yale, and UPenn differ?

Columbia and Yale's prompts are broader, encouraging discussion of school culture, while UPenn's prompt specifically emphasizes creating a unique academic path.

What does Kevin mean by 'mine for gold' in the school essay?

He advises applicants to include specific details such as courses or professors that uniquely align with their interests, making their essays stand out.

Why is it important to mention proper nouns in the essay?

Mentioning proper nouns demonstrates a deep understanding of the school and its offerings, making the essay more personalized and credible.

What kind of personal story did the Northwestern applicant include?

The applicant began their essay in the midst of a personal experience, using vivid imagery to connect their interests in medicine and writing.

What was the approach used in the Dartmouth essay example?

The Dartmouth essay took a list-based approach, highlighting numerous specific programs and activities that attract the applicant to the college.

What does Kevin suggest regarding how to demonstrate contribution to campus?

Instead of just listing interests, applicants should explain how their unique background and skills enable them to contribute to the campus community.

Why is contacting current students recommended?

Reaching out to current students can provide valuable insights and unique details about the school that can enhance the essay.

What is the surprise element mentioned at the end of the video?

The surprise is a break dance clip and a video on writing the next most important supplemental essay, encouraging viewers to stay engaged.