Ask The Expert: Carla Palffy, M.Ed, LPC
Q: I am a senior working on both college and scholarship applications. How do I know if I have written a good college essay?
A: When reviewing college applications, admissions officers are in search of students who will not only succeed academically on campus, but those who will be actively engaged in the campus community. The college essay is what brings your application to life.
While often the most daunting part of the application process, the essay is actually your greatest asset because YOU are the expert! The college application provides a great deal of information about how other people see you, but your college essay is your one opportunity to express how you see yourself.
So the obvious question is, "How do I know if I have written a good essay?" Simply stated, there is no magic formula and there is no "one size fits all" rubric to follow when writing your essay.
The most important key to a compelling essay is to personalize your story with your own voice, showing the reader in great detail the essence of your individual experience as no one else could have written. Remember, when it comes to your college essay, "Ask the Expert" really means "Ask Yourself".
- Show, don't tell. You hear this cliche frequently, but what does it really mean? Showing means sharing your world through remarkable detail, appealing to all five senses. Bring your story to life with vivid and specific facts.
- Precision is power. Personal essays should speak from the heart with tightly focused details that shed light upon the author. Abstract ideas merely state a general, often generic, concept.
- Answer the question. If the essay question has more than one section, be sure your responses directly answer each question. It is important to grab the reader in the introduction and stay on topic.
- Do the research. The essay is a chance to show you have done the background research and can articulate why the college is a good match for you, even more specifically how you will engage in the campus community.
- Keep it positively real. Keep it honest, personal and focus on positive outcomes. You do not have to be extraordinary; you do have to be authentic. Passion brings the ordinary to life.
- Pursue perfection. Good essays take time, drafts and redrafts. It is important to take the essay process seriously and allow enough time to be sure your grammar is correct and your voice is heard.
Save the Date:
Demystifying the College Process: An Interactive Panel Discussion
A conversation for parents and students (10th, 11th and 12th grade) featuring an interactive panel discussion about real issues facing young adults.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30pm
Grosse Pointe South High School Auditorium
11 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms
No Fee
RSVP by Oct. 27 @ 313.432.3832 or info@familycenterweb.org
