Acing the NCSSM Essays

Summary

In this video, several participants discuss tips for writing successful essays, particularly for college applications. They emphasize avoiding a focus solely on extracurricular achievements and awards, as these are already listed elsewhere in the application. Instead, students are encouraged to share personal passions, unique experiences, and what they've learned from their activities. The essay should showcase individuality and personality, not just academic or extracurricular success. Participants also suggest reflecting on how one would use the resources provided by the school and contribute to the campus community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on showcasing your personality in essays, not just extracurriculars or awards.
• 🤔 Avoid writing solely about accomplishments, as they're covered elsewhere in the application.
• 😄 Personal passion should be highlighted to give a true sense of who you are.
• 📜 Avoid unnecessary dramatic fluff in your essays; get straight to the point.
• 🌟 Reflect on what you learned from extracurriculars, not just what you achieved.
• 🚀 Explain how you'll grow and use the resources provided by the program.
• 🏆 Consider how you can contribute to the community of the program you're applying to.
• 🎯 Tailor your essay to show how your interests align with the program's offerings.
• 📝 Keep the writing personal and genuine, not generic or overly formal.
• 🎭 Use real experiences and hobbies to reflect who you are beyond academics.

Q & A

What is a common mistake people make when writing college essays, according to Angela?

Angela mentions that a common mistake is focusing the essay too much on extracurriculars and awards, which are already covered elsewhere in the application.

Why should applicants avoid writing solely about their awards and accomplishments in essays?

Applicants should avoid this because the admissions team already has access to this information. Instead, they want to learn about the applicant's personality and who they are as a person.

What does Angela suggest is a better focus for essays?

Angela suggests focusing on something the applicant is passionate about, such as personal interests or hobbies, to showcase their personality and individuality.

What is one way to make essays more personalized, according to the second speaker?

The second speaker advises making sure the essay reflects the applicant's unique experiences, including hobbies or interests, rather than generic statements that could apply to anyone.

What advice does the second speaker give about writing style?

The second speaker warns against using unnecessary 'fluff' in essays, such as overly dramatic descriptions that don't reveal anything meaningful about the applicant.

Why is it important to cut out unnecessary content in essays?

Cutting out unnecessary content allows the applicant to use the limited character count more effectively, including more relevant details about their thoughts and personality.

What does Shashank suggest applicants should highlight in their essays?

Shashank advises focusing on what applicants have learned from their extracurricular activities and how they plan to grow as a person if admitted, rather than just listing accomplishments.

How can applicants make their essays stand out, according to Shashank?

Shashank suggests that applicants should show how they plan to use the resources provided by the school to further their growth and contribute to the community, demonstrating forward-thinking and engagement.

What does Anna mention about balancing extracurriculars with academics?

Anna explains how she highlighted her extracurriculars in relation to how they could fit with the course schedule, acknowledging potential conflicts and explaining how she would manage them.

What did Anna emphasize in her essay regarding school resources?

Anna emphasized how her interests and extracurricular activities aligned with what the school offered, showing how she could benefit from their programs and contribute her unique perspective.