Stressing over college
Hey can someone give me tips on how to write a good personal college essay? I know 7cups is not for this but it is stressing me out 😂
@communicativeCar962
So, when you're working on your college essay, kick things off by thinking about the stuff in your life that really meant something, the good and the tough. Tell your story in a way that grabs the reader's attention. Don't just say things, show them with your experiences. Be real and avoid overused phrases so you can let your true self shine. Instead of trying to cover every little thing, focus on a specific topic or theme. This way, you can dive deep and make your college essay more interesting and personal. Not sure if this is what you're looking for....
Maybe you could write about something you've overcome, a life lesson, or something of that nature. If I remember correctly, I wrote about being a first-generation college student. That was decades ago, though.
Are you already in school, or is this essay part of your application?
@GoldenNest2727
I'm about to graduate and I'm applying for colleges 😊
@communicativeCar962
I just saw your reply. How's it going so far? Did you select a topic? I've got my fingers crossed for you. I bet you'll ace it.
@GoldenNest2727
Hii, it's going okay. I'm really disappointed because I sent my application in for early action, not realizing that everything including the transcripts had to be turned in, so I missed out on that. I wrote about how time flies and my experience with it. Thank you!!
@communicativeCar962
That's understandable. I made similar mistakes when I first began applying to college. It was tough, because it's not like they teach you how to do it in school, and no one in my family had been before, so I had to figure it out on my own. My tip is to get really organized. I made a list of where I wanted to apply, along with their deadlines, then I began gathering my supporting documents like transcripts, ACT scores, letters of recommendation etc. It gets easier once you begin applying, since most schools ask for the same things. Don't hesitate to reach out to your high school guidance counselor for help, even if you graduated long ago. They might have some tips and inside knowledge to help you along. I hope you'll keep us updated. We're rooting for you!
@communicativeCar962
Just be authentic.
Select a topic that is meaningful to you and allows you to showcase your personality, experiences, or values that provides insight into who you are beyond your academic achievements
Share an event or moment in your life that had a profound impact on you. Discuss how it changed your perspective or influenced your goals.
Write about a significant challenge or setback you've faced and how you've overcome it. Discuss the lessons you've learned and how it's shaped you.
Explore a hobby or interest that is particularly meaningful to you. Explain why it's important and how it reflects your personality.
Reflect on how your cultural heritage or family background has influenced your identity and values. Discuss specific traditions, experiences, or lessons learned.
Share an opinion or viewpoint that might be considered unconventional or controversial. Discuss why it's important to you and how it's shaped your thinking.
Write about someone who has had a significant influence on your life. Explain the qualities or experiences that make them a role model for you.
Describe a volunteering experience that has had a meaningful impact on you or a community service project you've been involved in.
Discuss your academic interests and career aspirations. Explain why you're passionate about a particular field of study and how you plan to make a difference.
Reflect on a travel experience or cultural exchange program that exposed you to new perspectives and broadened your horizons.
Yes, those are a few prompts to consider, but typically, you'll have a good sense of which prompts resonate with your story. When I applied, I personally selected the second prompt from the list. The key is to craft an essay that's engaging yet authentic. Colleges are genuinely interested in getting to know you, understanding how your experiences have influenced you, and how they've contributed to your identity. They're not just looking for information about the topic itself, but rather, about you as an individual.
Good luck!
@communicativeCar962
Everyone has given such great advice! I would have as many people as you can proof read it to ensure that it flows really well and is easy to read an understand. A lot of time we can think that we're being clear because as the one who wrote it, we know what point we're trying to make. This might not be so obvious to someone who doesn't know you.