The Essay Process
The essay won't be the most important part of your application once it reaches the college admissions office (your transcript will be), but it might be the most important thing you do in the fall. At that moment, it is the only piece of the puzzle that you hold, that you control. By the time the reader gets to your essay, he will know a lot about you and your school and your family and your activities; he might not know much about who you really are. The essay is your chance to let him know. Asking what "they" want to hear is not the right approach. "They" want to hear what you have to say about just about any topic imaginable. It is unlikely that you will choose a topic never before used, but don't worry. Your goal is to speak your mind in a natural voice - nothing forced, just be yourself. Let your writing show how you think, feel, dream, laugh, or cry. Your essay should paint a picture; the reader should be able to see you as he reads the essay.
Some typical essay topics are:
- the greatest challenge you have faced
- an experience that helped you define yourself
- a person who has influenced you
- a book that's been important to you
- if you could travel through time and meet someone, who?
- the personal statement (once you know what to talk about, a good one)
- an important issue
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