It is hard to put into words how excited I am about this year’s college applications. With the new year already started, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the process of writing a winning application. I have been there, done that, and in hindsight, have some tips and tricks that can help you do the same!
The Importance of Having a Winning Application
To be honest, having a good application is far more important than having a good GPA or straight As. I have seen a lot of people with amazing GPAs and grades who do not stand a chance at getting into their dream school because their application was not good enough. You will most likely have to take a look at your entire application package to see what is missing, but there are some details that are clearly telling. This is why I urge you to put in the time and effort to make sure that your application is perfect. You will have to write a strong statement of purpose, which should be unique to you, and very well-written. You should also have at least three writing samples you can use (ideally, not from previous years). Finally, make sure that you have a good photo that is both a headshot and non-depressing.
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose is one of the most important parts of your application. In fact, the entire application can be viewed as a short-answer to the question, “Why should I let you into my school?” Essentially, your statement of purpose is your chance to sell yourself as the perfect student to be admitted into the school you dearly want to attend. Needless to say, it is quite the challenge, so make sure that you give it your absolute best shot!
Your statement of purpose should be short and sweet. Try to keep it under three sentences and make it as concise as possible. Remember, you are trying to appeal to the college admissions officers (most likely a professor or two), so make sure that your statement is easy to understand and relevant to their position. You should also proofread and edit your statement a few times before you hand it in. This is so important because you are representing yourself, therefore you want to make sure that everything is presented accurately and clearly.
Three Sample Papers
Yes, you heard that correctly. Three sample papers. Ideally, you should have three writing samples that you can use to demonstrate your written work. These papers should be different from each other (ideally, one is a creative piece, the second is a professional piece, and the third is some sort of combination of the two) and should represent your best work. If you have more than three papers, then it is even better. The admissions officers will have a better idea of your overall writing ability. In a nutshell, having three writing samples is essential.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is similar to your statement of purpose, but it is more of a narrative of yourself as a person. To be perfectly honest, this is probably the part of your application that you have been dreading the most. After all, it is a completely personal detail-filled piece, and quite the opposite of your previous academic work. Believe it or not, but the personal statement is actually integral to your application. For one, it gives the admissions officer a small glimpse into your mind and the kind of person you are. Additionally, it is part of your application package, which will make or break your chances of getting into a specific school. Finally, it is the perfect place to flesh out your unique story, so make sure that you put in the time to develop a compelling narrative about yourself.
A Few Words On The Essays
Your essay is an optional piece that you can either write independently or have someone else do it for you. To be perfectly honest, the essay is probably the least important part of your application. In most cases, schools will have you write an extended statement in response to a prompt (basically, a question) and it is up to you how you want to approach the subject. Most likely, you will need to write about a topic that interests you, but make sure that it is something that will make your essay stand out. Otherwise, it is better to save your essay for the optional letter.
Again, the overall goal of your application is to make sure that you are putting in the time and effort to make sure that you get into the school of your dreams. Believe it or not, but the essays and the statements are more important than you think. Even if you get into a good school, you will have to attend countless hours of classes each week, which will undoubtedly be more challenging than anything you have ever had to deal with in your entire life. Good luck!