Summary:
- Why is the Common App Essay Important?
- Components of an amazing Common App Essay
- Concepts you need to learn
- IvyPrep expert services
On average, admissions officers at top US universities spend just 7-10 minutes looking at each application. Do you want your application to be among those that draw them in for a second read? You’ll need an amazing essay to do that. Let’s find out how to achieve this!
On average, admissions officers at top US universities spend just 7-10 minutes looking at each application. Do you want your application to be among those that draw them in for a second read? You’ll need an amazing essay to do that. Let’s find out how to achieve this!
Why Is The Common App Essay Important For College Admissions?
The Common App essay is sent to all U.S. universities that use the Common App application system, including all the Ivy Leagues and many other prestigious universities. A space to express yourself, the essay format allows you to show a bit of personality. In growing applicant pools, where dozens of overqualified students are vying for every precious spot, it’s more important than ever that you stand out. The essay helps you do that, distinguishing you from other, similar candidates, and getting you into your dream school.
What Makes An Amazing Common App Essay?
Tips and Strategies
Showcasing Your Personality And Flair
As mentioned, the Common App is all about who you are, and not just on the surface. Personality can come through in various ways, whether through a personal story or an individual writing style that sets you apart. When you read through your Common App essay, whose voice are you hearing? Unless it’s clearly and strongly recognisable as your own voice, keep editing to make your essay more yours.
Choosing A Unique Topic For Your Common App Essay
Just like your personality and style, you want your topic to be special and unique to you. If you’re writing about something more common, like an extracurricular activity, make sure you approach it from a fresh perspective. Ask yourself: why do I want to tell this story? Is it a story anyone else can tell? If it is, consider how you could tell it in a way that only you can.
Crafting A Trajectory Of Discovery In Your Essay
Ultimately, and very importantly, a Common App essay is a piece of writing about a transformative experience in your life. Transformations and trajectories can be big or small, but you have to show that you’re doing the important work of self-reflection throughout. What does this story say about me? How did the experience you describe shape you into the person you are now?
Key Essay Writing Concepts To Learn
Ideating and Brainstorming
The first step takes place at the abstract level of ideation. What are your ideas? Dig deep. What images, anecdotes, or personal experiences are coming up when you are asked to write about something that represents you or an experience that really shaped you? What moments from your life do you most identify with? Take note of everything that comes to mind, even if some ideas feel unfinished.
Story Mapping
Next, we want to move into the planning process. How do events link together? How does the story flow? What’s the cause, and what’s the effect? What’s the take-away? Think about the plot of your story as if you were making an elevator pitch for it. Write out your plan and start there.
Construction
Constructing the actual essay can seem like a daunting task. But, with all the prior planning, it becomes a lot easier to string the story together. Here’s where you add flair and detail, building off of the initial scaffoldings and plans you made.
Reflecting
Reflective moments should happen throughout the essay, so make sure your construction of the essay accounts for this. At every turn, ask yourself what you gained or learned from your experience. Your self-reflection is the most important aspect of this.
Still Struggling?
It’s not easy to write a compelling Common App, and it’s understandable if you feel lost. If you’re stuck at any point, it’s a good idea to seek help from essay experts. Having helped countless students brainstorm and write winning Common App essays, IvyPrep’s Consultants have all the resources to help you through all the key essay-writing concepts, ensuring that you’re ready to present admissions officers with an amazing personal narrative.
Want to craft a winning Common App essay? Schedule a free consultation with IvyPrep’s consultants today.
FAQ
It’s the main essay most universities in the US will see. Thematically, it’s a personal essay with narrative flair, allowing you to write about yourself and what motivates you in life.
From the Common App website–
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
We’ve seen students from all backgrounds come up with showstopping essays. The first step is to put aside your preconceptions and commit to the process. For further advice, get in touch for a free consultation.
