CRUSH the Common Application Essay! 8 Tips.

Summary

In this video, Brooklyn Super Tutor TV shares eight practical tips for writing a standout college essay. Covering everything from avoiding clichés and showcasing your unique personality, to telling specific stories, balancing reflection with narrative, and crafting a compelling opening line, the video provides a comprehensive guide for applicants. The tutor emphasizes authenticity, encouraging students to be themselves and convey their passions sincerely. Additionally, tips include reading example essays and ensuring different essays highlight diverse facets of the applicant. The advice is designed to help students engage admissions officers, demonstrate maturity, and make their essays memorable and impactful.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid clichés in your college essay; don't write predictable success stories without vulnerability.
• 😀 Show your humanity by including emotions, thoughts, values, and personal experiences.
• 😀 Do not repeat the same story or theme across multiple essays to highlight different facets of yourself.
• 😀 Use storytelling and specific details to make your essay relatable and memorable.
• 😀 Balance narrative with reflection and interpretation to demonstrate self-awareness and personal growth.
• 😀 Read example essays to gain insight into structure, style, and voice.
• 😀 Craft a strong opening line to hook the reader from the very start.
• 😀 Be yourself and avoid trying to write what you think colleges want to hear; authenticity is key.
• 😀 Incorporate creativity and a unique perspective to make your essay stand out.
• 😀 Your essay should leave the reader with a sense of your personality, values, and potential contributions to their community.

Q & A

What is the main goal of a college application essay?

The main goal of a college application essay is to show schools who you are as a person, not just an academic achiever. Colleges want to understand your emotions, values, and personality, and see you as someone they'd want to have on campus.

Why should you avoid cliche success stories in your college essay?

Cliche success stories, like those focused solely on achievements without vulnerability or unique perspectives, tend to be predictable and uninteresting. Instead, you should find a more compelling angle, such as connecting your success to a social issue or personal struggle.

How can you prove you're a human being through your college essay?

You can prove you're a human being by sharing your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that feels authentic. The goal is to show that you have a soul, and that you're more than just a scholar—you're someone with a unique personality and life perspective.

Why is it important not to repeat essay topics in different applications?

Repeating essay topics can make your application feel one-dimensional. Each essay provides an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your personality or achievements. By varying your topics, you show colleges a fuller, more diverse view of who you are.

What role does storytelling play in a college application essay?

Storytelling is crucial in making your essay memorable and relatable. A well-told story helps the reader connect with you on a human level, even if you come from a different background. It also provides an opportunity to share personal insights and lessons learned.

What makes a college essay 'specific'?

A specific essay includes concrete details, anecdotes, and clear reflections. Vague descriptions or general statements about emotions or events won't give the reader enough insight into who you are. Specificity makes your story unique and memorable.

Why is it important to find a balance between narrative and reflection in your essay?

Balancing narrative and reflection allows you to tell a compelling story while also showcasing your personal growth and maturity. You need to not only describe what happened, but also interpret the experience and explain what you've learned from it.

How can reading examples help with writing a college essay?

Reading examples exposes you to various writing styles, structures, and topics that work well. It helps you understand what makes an essay powerful and gives you ideas on how to approach your own writing, especially when you're unsure how to get started.

What makes a good opening line for a college essay?

A good opening line grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more. It should be interesting, intriguing, or thought-provoking. A strong hook sets the tone for the essay and encourages the reader to engage with the rest of your story.

How can being authentic help in your college essay?

Being authentic in your college essay means staying true to yourself, rather than trying to write what you think colleges want to hear. Authenticity helps you stand out because it makes you sound sincere and relatable, which is more persuasive than trying to conform to perceived expectations.