How Important are College Application Essays?

As the school year winds down, many juniors are setting their sights on college applications. While focusing on grades, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars is certainly important, there is one piece of the college application that can make a huge difference –– especially with the competition to get into schools being so high. That is essays. But just how important are they?

More Than Words

Your main college essay (or personal statement) is perhaps the most unique part of your application. It gives colleges insight into who you are, the place in the application where you highlight your personality, voice, and unique story. (The same is true of the supplemental essays that some schools require). Essays provide a way to move beyond the numbers and let admissions officers see who you are as a person, not just a student, and how you might contribute to the campus community.

Think about it –– colleges receive thousands of applications, and many of these applicants have similar GPAs, test scores, and activity lists. Given that, essays provide an opportunity to set yourself apart and make yourself memorable.

What Admissions Officers Look for in Essays

College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and there are specific things they’re hoping to find. Here are a few:

• Authenticity –– Essays should be written in your individual voice, not what you think others want to hear.
• Self-awareness –– Reflect on your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped you.
• Growth and resilience –– Show examples of how you’ve overcome challenges or learned from failure.
• Clear communication –– Strong writing skills, thoughtful presentation, and correct grammar and spelling are all important when writing essays, no matter what major you choose.

Essays need not be overly dramatic or life changing. In fact, it is often small moments, explained honestly and insightfully, that can make the biggest impact.

How Much Do Essays Matter to Colleges?

The importance of the essay depends on the selectivity of the schools you’re applying to. Some schools require only the personal statement, while others also require supplemental essays. Some schools don’t rely as heavily on essays, but more and more colleges are finding them to be a valuable component when making application decisions. In fact, essays can be a deal-breaker or a game-changer –– a well-written one can strengthen an application, while a weak one can undermine it.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Highly selective colleges often use essays as a deciding factor when there are so many applicants with similar academic profiles and extracurricular activities.
• Test-optional schools may rely even more heavily on essays that showcase applicants’ interests, values, and passions when test scores are not a factor in their admissions evaluation. 
• Scholarship decisions can also hinge on the quality of essays, as scholarship committees use them to evaluate a student’s character, writing skills, and ability to self-reflect. 

Tips for Writing a Strong Essay

1. Start Early! –– Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and edit your essays. It is important to start early since you may have numerous essays to write, and you don’t want to be rushed to finish by the application deadlines. (Take into consideration all that you have going on with school, your personal life, and other college application components –– it pays to plan ahead!)
2. Be Specific –– Bring your story to life by using specific details and avoiding vague statements or overly “showy” language. (Big words don’t always necessarily make the best impressions.) 
3. Be Authentic –– Remember the purpose of the essay: to help the reader learn more about you –– your experiences, passions, and aspirations. Essays should showcase your unique personality and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and honest. 
4. Get Constructive Feedback –– Having a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult read your drafts can be very helpful. (At Moxie College Counseling, we have experienced essay specialists who can work with you throughout the process –– helping you with brainstorming, essay writing, and edits.)
5. Proofread Carefully –– Grammar and spelling matter, so again, proofread your work and have someone else do it as well.

We Can Help!

Your story matters. There is no place better to tell it than in a college admission essay. You should view it as a chance to speak directly to the admissions committee. We can help prepare you by teaming you with an educational/college consultant and essay specialist who will help you navigate the entire process. At Moxie, our goal is to make your college admissions journey as fulfilling and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for more information.