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The college essay carries a heavy connotation. Many see their college application essay as a make-or-break assignment, but that is not the complete truth. The college essay is an opportunity to show who you are, and it need not be much more than that. That added pressure of the essay being the only piece of your application that matters is simply unnecessary. Universities look for essays that connect with the reader and the institution, show a more candid side of the applicant, and showcase the individual beyond the other components of a college application. 

Connect 

When sitting down to draft your essay, think to yourself, “Why do I want to go to this university? How will this place impact me, and how will I impact it?” Finding your why will help you realign and more easily find your true connection to the school. Every application should have a separate essay. Using the same essay for every school to which you are applying does not show the personal touch that many admissions counselors search for. They want to discern how your presence will make a positive impact on the campus community and how their institution fits your needs, wants, and goals. Finding your connections and highlighting them are vital parts of making your application essay stand out. 

Get Real

There is a common misconception that your college essay should be a personal tragedy or hardship. This is not the case. Don’t feel the need to disclose irrelevant information or information that upsets you in the hopes of an acceptance letter. However, it is appreciated when applicants show their more vulnerable side. When drafting your piece, ask, “What in my life has affected me, and what have I affected? What have I overcome? How has that shaped me?” In doing this, you will find that unique facets of your environment have shaped you in ways that you may not even realize. Dig into this, and do not be afraid to open up. Experiences shape people, and revealing an aspect of yourself by showing your growth is a positive addition to any essay.   

Be Authentic 

The most important tip is to always be yourself! This is what really brings everything together. Your connection to the institution, along with your unique experiences, shape you. But, what else shapes you? Hearing about prospective students’ projects, passions, interests, and goals make candidates stand out. This helps admissions counselors identify students who would be a good fit for their university.