How do you write a college essay without trauma?

While the personal essay can be a daunting task for students, approaching the piece with a clear sense of self, an understanding of the essay's purpose, and a sensitivity to its impact on the reader will help students avoid oversharing or trauma dumping as they write.

Do college essays have to be traumatic?

Students should not need traumatic experiences in their past in order to be competitive applicants, nor should they feel forced to disclose anything that they may have gone through. Pain should not be the avenue through which students must represent themselves.

What shouldn't you write about in a college essay?

Like tragic events, highly personal topics don't always make the best essays. Examples of highly personal topics include past trauma, severe illnesses, and injuries. To fully explore the details of their stories, writers may get too graphic or go into way too much detail about these situations.

Is it OK to write a sad college essay?

If your "sad" topic is truly significant to your life and has shaped your character or values, then it might be a strong choice. However, be mindful of the following considerations: 1. Avoid writing a sob story: Your essay should not be an attempt to gain sympathy from the admissions officers.

What not to say in a why college essay?

This might seem obvious, but it's best to avoid writing about anything that portrays the school you're applying to in a negative way. Some students might consider doing a negative topic as a way to stand out or get credit for taking a risk on their essay. However, the school isn't likely to see it this way.

How To Write The Perfect College Essay Without Being A Genius | College Essay Tips

Is it OK to use the word you in a college essay?

A conversational tone is acceptable. Most college essays are in the first person, which is not traditionally regarded as “formal writing”. Only use “you” if you are referring to the reader.

What is the most common college essay topic?

Do sob story college essays work?

Students need not make up sob stories to improve their cases for admission to elite universities. In fact, we always discourage students from telling sob stories. We don't want students writing about illnesses that they, their parents, or grandparents have faced.

Do colleges want a sob story?

In recent years, we've observed many students becoming fixated on discovering or manufacturing a hardship or "sob story" to incorporate into their college applications. Unfortunately, this approach is more likely to result in rejection.

Is name dropping bad in college essays?

Consider your impact carefully before name dropping specific professors. This may be appropriate to include if the professor's research covers a specific academic interest of yours or if you've read a book they've published. However, steer away from browsing the school's website just to drop in a professor's name.

Is one typo in a college essay bad?

You double and triple-checked each essay, and you were positive that everything was perfecto. But then, you reviewed your submitted materials and — gasp — you noticed a mistake! Don't panic. One mistake is not going to jeopardize your admission.

Is it bad to tell a story in a college essay?

In your own voice, tell a story that reveals a defining moment that helped to shape who you are today and influences who you'll be tomorrow. In other words, your college essay should give the reader a real sense of your unique personality, characteristics, and qualities.

How do you start off a college essay?

Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination. This might be a bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene. Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process.

How to avoid trauma dumping in college essay?

While the personal essay can be a daunting task for students, approaching the piece with a clear sense of self, an understanding of the essay's purpose, and a sensitivity to its impact on the reader will help students avoid oversharing or trauma dumping as they write.

Is it OK to talk about depression in a college essay?

Mental health history or a disability might be an integral part of who a student is, but that doesn't necessarily make it relevant to a college application. Keep in mind that it is actually illegal for colleges to ask for these types of details about your life because it can be considered discrimination.

Is it okay to talk about trauma in a college essay?

While it's true that some students may have experienced personal trauma that has shaped them into the person they are today, this is not a requirement for writing a strong personal statement.

Is writing about anxiety a bad college essay?

A student is only going to write a truly great essay if it addresses a meaningful and personal experience. There are some valid reasons not to address mental health challenges on a college application. But the student may still feel their mental health is a critical part of the story they want to share.

Do admissions officers actually read essays?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it's impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

Do colleges look at your mental health?

Colleges are unlikely to look beyond what you submit unless what you submit leads them to investigate further prior to admitting you. A number of responses to your question indicate that colleges do not discriminate against those with mental health issues.

Is it OK to write about mental health in college essays?

If a student feels that they must discuss their mental health, they should do so in the “Additional Information” section of the college application, not the Personal Statement. Depending on the application, students may also want to attach a note from a psychiatrist or therapist.

Can a bad essay ruin your college application?

After months or even years of working to achieve excellent test scores, strong grades, and relevant work/volunteering experiences, fatigue can get the best of people. However, a weak college application essay can severely hurt your chance of admission.

Who actually reads college essays?

Your essay will be read by the admission committee, which will include admission counselors and in some cases professors.

What is the opening sentence of a college essay?

The very first sentence of your essay should be the “hook” or “grabber.” This sentence “hooks” readers or “grabs” their attention, making them want to read more. This first sentence should provide rich details, engage a reader's curiosity, or otherwise stand out from the rest.

What college essays stand out?

It should highlight what makes you a fantastic candidate beyond grades, extracurricular activities and test scores. Stay specific. You can't fit your entire life story into a 650-word essay, so try not to be too broad. Hone your essay in on a specific topic, life story or lesson you've learned.

How do I know if my college essay is cliche?