In 2013, 33,000 people applied to Columbia University and 31,000 were rejected. With an admission rate of only 7%, completion is clearly fierce at the top universities. Students are befuddled as to how they can ensure entrance to the university of their choice.
There is one thing that you can do to stand out; it may just be the most important part of the application. It’s also the part that you have probably put off for last–the college entrance essay. In fact, Phyllis Micketti, Director of Applicant Service for the Rutgers New Brunswick campus, says, “An essay can make the difference from ‘no’ to ‘wait-list’ or ‘wait-list’ to ‘yes.’”
That’s right. The fact that you have a 92 average and scored 2040 on your SAT’s is great. You’re on the debate team and are captain of the track team. You volunteer at your synagogue and have served the homeless at a shelter. Each of those things is a reason to be proud. They also contribute to the picture you are painting of yourself for the university as they decide whether or not to admit you.
However, the essay is the master stroke–the smile of the Mona Lisa. And many students bomb the essay. “One out of twenty essays is good,” says Rick Clark, director of undergraduate admissions at Georgia Institute of Technology (a.k.a., Georgia Tech). Clark says many of the essays he comes across are mundane and contain false flattery.
Why does the essay matter? Well, the essay is where a university will truly get to know you. You have a chance to reveal your personality to the decision makers and let them know what kind of person you are through your writing. “The essay and the three free-form text responses [open-ended questions that are part of the application to Rutgers New Brunswick] allow students to personalize their application,” says Micketti.
This might sound scary to some and silly to others. After all, we’re talking about 650 words for a university to decide your fate. That is the maximum word length of the common app essay which many–but not all–universities require. Some universities have their own essay assignment instead of or in addition to the common app essay.
With the stakes so high, the decision about what to write is critical. After all, how many of us have a story like the medical school applicant who wrote about his experience on a blackjack team that scammed casinos? (See the movie 21.)
Well, there’s hope for your essay even if you have led the straight life. In fact, On its website, Harvard offers some thoughts from members of the application committee, including, “your topic does not have to be exotic to be compelling.”
As you prepare to write the essay, consider the following tips when searching for a topic.
First, it’s important to pick a topic that will actually let the reader know about you beyond the numbers and other information noted in other parts of your application. A generic essay about your favorite birthday party or your bat mitzvah is too generic. Now, if your bat mitzvah featured a particularly inspiring chesed project, feel free to write about it. Just know that common topics require a fresh approach as they have been done many times before.
Pick a topic that you are prepared to explore. You may have a topic that is very personal and meaningful to you. Great. However, before you begin to write, ask yourself, “Am I ready to share the details of this?” After all, it’s the details and explanation of how you felt and reacted to the situation which are crucial to writing an engaging essay. Also, remember who is reading the essay. Overcoming drug use is wonderful but could very well send a red flag to the university admissions officers.
You scored the winning basket, you got the lead role in the school play; you were employee of the month. Everybody loves a happy ending. While your essay doesn’t have to end in five pounds of sugar, it is important to show how you have grown and been positively impacted by the situation you are depicting. An essay that ends negatively may leave the admissions officers concerned about how well you will fit academically and socially at the university.
Finally, your essay is a writing sample. So before you send the essay off to admissions, make sure you have carefully edited and proofread the essay to the best of your ability. If possible, ask others to review the essay as well.
So, as you get those applications together, remember to focus on the essay. It just may allow you to gain admission to the school that is your top choice.
Larry Bernstein is a tutor who has assisted many students with their college entrance essay. His website is http://larrydbernstein.com/tutoring-service/.
By Larry Bernstein
