What are most college essays about?

What is the most common college essay topic?

What do most people write their college essay on?

You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses. Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.

What type of essays do you write for college?

There are many types of essays but these will be the ones you'll likely see the most: Definition Essay. Persuasive/Argumentative Essay. Analytical Essay.

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.

Your College Essay Didn't Get You Accepted, You're Just Rich

What essays do colleges like?

Admission essays are very different from the 5-paragraph essays you write in English or history class! Great essays are built around stories, not arguments. They reveal your character, not rehash your achievements. The best essays focus on moments when you changed, learned, or grew as a person.

How do you start off a college essay?

Start with an attention grabber. 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.

How long is a college essay?

If your institution doesn't provide a specific word count, it's best to keep your essay between the length established by the longer college admissions essay format: 250 to 650 words. Word count is just one factor to consider as you craft your college admissions essay.

Can you say you in college essays?

In fact, it's encouraged because the essay is your opportunity to showcase your own voice and experiences. Remember, the admissions officers want to get to know you as a person, so writing in the first person can help you connect with them on a more personal level.

How many pages is 500 words?

500 words is 1 pages single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced.

It will take approximately 2 minutes to read 500 words. A 500 word count will create about 1 page with single spacing or 2 pages double-spaced when using normal 1-inch margins, 12 pt.

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 matter a lot?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.

Are college essays really important?

As you can tell, college essays are very important for applicants hoping to get accepted into prestigious institutions. And if you are planning to apply to any colleges that are test optional or test blind, then the essay probably becomes more important, since schools have fewer data points to work with.

What is the perfect college essay?

Think about your personal experiences. Describe moments that left a lasting impact. The important thing is to have a fleshed-out narrative that provides insight into your life and way of thinking. Some of the best essays revolve around meaningful moments rather than flashy ones.

How do I know if my college essay is cliche?

How do I find the perfect college essay topic?

Write about something personal, deeply felt, and authentic to the real you (but which is not an overshare). Take a narrow slice of your life: one event, one influential person, one meaningful experience—and then you expand out from that slice into a broader explanation of yourself. Always think about your reader.

Is it OK to swear in a college essay?

Avoid swearing in a college essay, since admissions officers' opinions of profanity will vary.

Can I break the 4th wall in my college essay?

It is not at all bad to break the fourth wall while writing college essays, unless the question asked somehow precludes it (which is rare).

Is it OK if my college essay is bad?

If a student's essay isn't great OR good, the admission officer will probably just skim past the essay and move right on to your transcript and your test scores to evaluate your candidacy for admission. Bad essays don't get read. Period.

How do you end a college essay?

The end of your college essay should be strong, clear, and impactful. You can talk about your future goals, end in a moment of action, talk about what you've learned, or go full circle. Whatever method you choose, make sure to avoid summarizing your essay.

How much do college essays matter?

College essays are critical because the admissions committee at most institutions, particularly more selective colleges, want to know more about you beyond grades and test scores.

How many college essays should I write?

You'll likely write a main personal statement for your Common App, perhaps some separate essays if you're applying to public schools (the UCs require four, for example), plus you'll write supplements for most selective schools, which number anywhere from 6-20, depending on the number of schools you apply to.

How do you hook a college essay?

What is the first paragraph of a college essay?

Your opening paragraph should introduce the subject matter and the points you intend to make. They should give some background to support the thesis statement you'll make at the end of the introduction.

What is a good sentence to start an essay?

The first sentence of a paper is often called the hook. It shouldn't be anything ordinary. It should have strong language and be a little surprising, with an interesting fact, story, statistic, or quote on the topic.