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INTRODUCTION: THE ADMISSIONS ESSAY
Writing a college admissions essay can be a daunting task, as it plays a crucial role in distinguishing you from other applicants These five hundred words must leave a personalized mark on admissions officers, balancing compelling insights without appearing contrived Opinions on the essay's importance vary, with some believing it significantly influenced their acceptance, while others feel they were accepted despite their essay With the demands of academic and extracurricular commitments, focusing on college essays may not be how you want to spend your weekends.
The admissions essay can significantly enhance your application if approached thoughtfully, especially as college admissions rates decline amidst increasing competition For applicants to prestigious universities, a high GPA and extracurricular achievements may not suffice for acceptance The personal statement serves as a unique opportunity to highlight your distinctive qualities and make a creative, emotional appeal to admissions officers In a landscape often focused on test scores and statistics, the essay adds a vital human element However, many applicants struggle with where to begin in generating ideas and writing their essays.
We aim to help you navigate the confusing advice surrounding the essay-writing process by providing ten essential tips for crafting a standout admissions essay Additionally, we include fifty real essays from students accepted to Harvard College to illustrate effective strategies As fellow students familiar with the college application journey, we understand the common questions and concerns essay-writers face, and our goal is to offer clear and practical advice to guide you toward success.
Writing a successful admissions essay lacks a universal formula, much like the journey to becoming a successful college applicant You have the freedom to express your thoughts, and only you can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses It is your unique perspective on how various people and experiences have shaped you that will make your personal statement stand out The control you hold over the content of your essay is immense, allowing you to convey your authentic self.
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@lystu.com and style is what makes the college admissions essay so challenging to write—and incredibly revealing
The Harvard Crimson offers essential guidelines for crafting effective college admissions essays Here are ten key tips to consider as you begin your writing journey.
Begin your essay preparation early, even if you can't start writing months in advance As you navigate your senior fall, actively seek potential essay topics and review successful past essays to understand their structure Reflect on your passions and significant experiences that have shaped your character Identifying a meaningful essay topic can be challenging, so allow yourself ample time to explore ideas that resonate with you Don't hesitate to discard less compelling topics, even late in the process; a heartfelt subject will inspire natural writing.
To stand out in your admissions essay, think strategically and reflect on your unique experiences, strengths, and weaknesses Focus on a single, meaningful experience rather than reiterating information from your résumé or application, as you have a limited word count of five hundred It's more impactful to provide an in-depth exploration of one aspect of your life, showcasing your ability for self-reflection Consider discussing your hobbies, unique talents, or formative experiences to add depth to your application Be creative and choose a topic that complements the rest of your application effectively.
When choosing a topic, remember that it doesn't have to be extraordinary; even everyday experiences, like a summer job, can provide valuable insights While some subjects, like winning a state soccer championship, may be overdone, adding a unique perspective can make your narrative stand out Every applicant has a distinctive background worth exploring, and with creativity and thoughtful analysis, even routine events can become engaging stories Focus on explaining the "how" and "why" of your experiences, as this often holds more significance than merely stating the "what."
4 Answer the question If you’re given a specific essay prompt, make sure your essay addresses
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When writing college application essays, avoid stretching a single essay to fit multiple prompts, as this can lead to awkward and unconvincing responses Conduct thorough research on each school and thoughtfully craft your answers to demonstrate critical thinking and an understanding of nuance A generic response filled with blanks will not impress admissions officers Instead, show genuine thought by incorporating evidence, supporting facts, and examples to strengthen your argument.
Be cautious when using gimmicks in your personal statement While a few individuals have effectively incorporated poems or comics, such instances are rare If you believe your creative approach will succeed, feel free to pursue it However, keep in mind that the execution is crucial; an inauthentic piece is unlikely to stand out as you intend.
Understanding your thesis is crucial for crafting a compelling essay Take the time to clarify your essay's purpose and the key points you want to convey Consider what will engage an admissions officer and what lasting message you want your readers to remember By addressing these questions, you can ensure that your writing is authentic, clear, and impactful Steer clear of clichés and broad generalizations; instead, aim for insightful and critical reflections that communicate your message effectively.
Be authentic in your college admissions essay, as it serves as a personal statement that showcases your unique writing style and tone While incorporating humor and wit can enhance your essay, ensure it feels natural and not forced Seek feedback from a few trusted individuals, but maintain control over the content and style to ensure it reflects your true self This is your opportunity to connect with admissions officers and emphasize what makes you distinctive, so don’t allow others to overshadow your voice.
Be honest in your essay by avoiding exaggeration of your experiences and lessons learned Reflect critically on your chosen topic, even if it seems ordinary, and articulate its value to you rather than focusing on what might interest the admissions officer Use familiar language and avoid misusing words, as clarity is essential Admissions officers appreciate clean, capable writing that reveals your unique identity without embellishment.
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Revise and proofread your essay to ensure clarity and engagement while avoiding unnecessary details Stay focused and eliminate grammatical and spelling errors, as admissions officers read numerous personal statements quickly Craft a captivating introduction that makes your essay enjoyable to read Seek feedback from others for clarity and correctness, and allow your essay to rest for a few days before revisiting it for further editing Remember, the college admissions essay is a crucial part of your application that you can fully control, so invest the time needed to achieve satisfaction with your final draft.
Take a deep breath and tackle your essays one at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed Keep in mind that the essay is just one component of your college application Be a careful and organized writer, and when you're finished, don't hesitate to step away from your work Acknowledge your efforts and reward yourself with a break, as senior year encompasses more than just college admissions.
And now, on to the fun part The Harvard Crimson has gathered together fifty successful Harvard admissions essays and organized them into four categories:
• The Survivor: Overcoming Challenges and Adversity
• One Among Many: Presenting a Unique Applicant
• Storyteller: Experiences that Illuminate Character
• Through Their Eyes: Finding Yourself in Others
THE SURVIVOR: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND ADVERSITY
To impress admissions officers, it's essential to share personal experiences of overcoming adversity or failure, even if they aren't dramatic Writing about these challenges is a common theme in admissions essays, and the key is to concentrate on a specific event that highlights your resilience and growth.
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@lystu.com memory and to relate how that experience has shaped your character
The essays in this section reveal the applicant's past insecurities and hardships, showcasing the authenticity and honesty of their experiences Topics may range from a challenging move to the United States to a habit of speaking too quickly, illustrating that even small or mundane issues can be deeply human and compelling Through vivid anecdotes, detailed reflections, and personal growth narratives, applicants can demonstrate how they have overcome losses or mastered weaknesses This essay serves as an opportunity to present the true self to admissions officers.
（1） SCOTT LEVIN—“YOU SPEAK TOO FAST”
It started with my grandmother
“You’re going to have to speak more slowly, honey,” she would say, interrupting me as we spoke on the phone
I hadn’t viewed my grandmother, a frail elderly woman, as a credible gauge of my intelligibility Her hearing must be failing, I thought Or, perhaps, her 1970s-era telephone needed to be replaced
“I cannot understand a word you’re saying!” he exclaimed over dinner, flecks of food flying from his mouth
My mother would stick up for me
“Leave the boy alone!” she would say “I can understand him just fine! It’s your hearing that’s off!”
And then, one day, the dam broke
“I’m sorry, Scotty,” my mom said with a tinge of regret in her voice “You speak too fast I have no idea what you’re saying.”
The transition from childhood to adolescence occurred gradually, transforming me into a fast-talking teenager whose language resonated primarily with my Generation Y peers Communication flowed effortlessly among friends, but engaging with adults often required a bilingual translator, typically someone in their twenties.
But I remained incredulous Adults just needed to focus more, I thought I was speaking at a
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This summer, I finally began to understand my parents’ struggle
Four months ago, I embarked on an exciting journey to Argentina as a high school exchange student, eager to immerse myself in classes conducted entirely in Spanish to achieve fluency While I made many Argentine friends, I found myself challenged by their rapid speech, which felt like a competitive sport, leaving me struggling to keep up with their slurred conversations.
“What do you do on the weekends?” I would ask
“Well,” a boy would start That “well” was the windup before a long headfirst dive “We clubs night but if pizza then can’t park look dawn.”
After five years of studying Spanish through classes, books, and tutoring, I found myself unable to communicate effectively with Argentine high school students Despite my efforts, I realized that my preparation did not equip me to understand their unique language and expressions.
I struggled to comprehend each sentence, but over time, I found myself echoing my grandmother's words: “Vas a tener que hablar más lentamente,” which translates to “You’re going to have to speak more slowly.”
The look I would receive in return was one of skepticism Then they would ask the inevitable question: “Are you sure there is nothing wrong with your hearing?”
By the end of seven weeks, my Argentine high school friends had learned to speak slightly more slowly, and I had learned slightly more Argentine high school Spanish
Back in California, my parents sometimes still complain that I speak too quickly In their presence,
I have slowed down as best I can because to be understood through words and their subtleties is what sets humans apart
Only through clear communication can I connect with others I need to hear what people say, and
I seek to be heard, whether through my monthly newspaper column or in everyday discussions, as my words hold significant power They have the potential to inspire individuals to advocate for their beliefs or to appreciate the beauty in everyday objects, such as an old swing set.
In our journey through life, we strive for understanding and connection with those around us, often requiring us to slightly slow our speech to effectively communicate.
In my American high school, I observe my friend Daniel Paredes, a recent immigrant from Mexico, facing challenges in learning English He has just been integrated into mainstream English classes, and I inquire about his experience.
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“My geometry class is a nightmare,” he tells me in Spanish
“Why is it so difficult?” I ask
“Well, you wouldn’t understand,” Daniel says with an embarrassed tone
“It’s just that, I know the English I know the words she’s saying But she says them so fast .” he trails off
I look at Daniel and smile with commiseration
“I understand exactly what you mean.”
The writer embarks on a journey of self-improvement by addressing his initial flaw of speaking too fast He transitions from skepticism regarding his parents' complaints to recognizing their validity, ultimately leading to personal growth Initially blaming his family for their lack of understanding, his experiences in Argentina foster empathy, allowing him to connect with his parents' struggles.
Achieving empathy is a significant success for the writer, yet he emphasizes the importance of communication even more While he reflects on the power of words, he could have dedicated more space to illustrate why understanding the perspectives of his family members and immigrant classmates represents such a vital transformation.
This essay effectively conveys its message within a concise format, utilizing fluid dialogue to enhance its style Although it leans more towards storytelling than argumentation, each sentence remains focused and contributes meaningfully to the central theme The writer's straightforward prose emphasizes the importance of empathy and communication.
（2）AMANDA NGUYEN—“ITS NAME WAS WHEELIE”
Wheelie, a remarkable three-foot-three-inch technological marvel with slick, polished wheels, embodies a unique paradox: an ordinary object that empowers its passengers to achieve extraordinary feats My seven months spent with this wonder profoundly transformed my perspective on life.
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Then again, I never thought I’d be bound to a wheelchair.
On a Monday morning during my junior year, I was abruptly awakened by my alarm clock, only to find myself in a hospital room instead of my familiar surroundings Connected to a heart monitor that beeped erratically, I was met by a nurse who, with a sympathetic expression, informed me that my emergency heart surgery had failed My cardiologist bluntly stated that I was at high risk of sudden death due to the structural damage caused by the unsuccessful procedure, leaving me in a precarious situation until further corrective surgery could be performed.
Initially, I resented the wheelchair, viewing it as a stark reminder of my limitations Over time, I faced additional, less visible obstacles that hindered my life I was advised to halt my education, extracurricular activities, and sports, as my cardiologist warned, “Sudden death means that life stops.”