As many colleges’ early admissions deadlines are quickly approaching, students have begun stressing over how to craft the perfect Common App application.
The Common App is the main platform used to apply to colleges. The Common App serves as one application, but can be submitted to many colleges such as: Ohio State University, The University of Akron, Kent State, and many more. It prompts students to insert information like test scores, grade point average, and a personal essay to introduce themselves to colleges. There are seven prompts provided for the personal essay so students can write about their interests, identity, obstacles, and accomplishments.
“I am nervous that my essay isn’t good enough,” senior Alex Buswell shares the fears of most of the senior class. It is hard to know what colleges are looking for in applicants, or what will set their essay apart.
Thankfully Lake seniors are lucky enough to have Librarian, Mrs. Peterson, as a resource for Common App tips and tricks.
“Start by analyzing the prompt and see where that takes you,” explained Mrs. Peterson.
There are seven different prompts to choose from when filling out the Common App. Find one that is interesting to you and that is easily understood so the task of writing a Common App essay seems much less daunting.
Mrs. Peterson also suggests starting with a story. The writing should be in your authentic voice and reflect who you are. Colleges are wanting to get to know you personally to see how you’ll fit in at their school. Showing individuality will help to build this connection through writing.
“Have multiple trusted readers”, Mrs. Peterson suggested. “It is best to have as many eyes on it as possible.”
In order to maximize your essay’s potential there should be a group of people to proofread before it is submitted. This can include your English teacher, parents, and even Mrs. Peterson. Mrs. Peterson also stressed the fact that you should not be submitting a rough draft. Make sure that multiple people have read the essay and that it is fully finished.
Some other helpful tips that Mrs. Peterson gave were to not wait until the last minute, avoid using any AI, and double check for additional and optional requirements when applying to schools. In order to make sure that your essay is completely finished and ready to be submitted you must give yourself enough time to both write and revise it, do not procrastinate.
AI takes away the connection built when writing with your own voice so it should not be used when writing a college essay. If there are any additional and optional requirements with certain colleges other people will be doing them so you should as well to better your chances of acceptance.
Though the most important tip to writing a college essay is to be passionate and tell a story. Write from the heart and utilize your own unique voice.
