Very important question for anyone in/applied to college + story update - Comments

I'm with Kurtni.

When I applied for university, that's basically what I tried to do in my college admission essays. The only thing I'll have to tweak about what she says is that when you're "selling yourself" in the essay, remember that whoever will read it is a person. Try to inject a little humility, or 'humanity' in your essay if you can.

1. Nope but while in my Senior Comp class everyday we had to write for like 10-15 minutes on a college application prompt the class chose by a number.

oh my gosh thanks guys!

Kurtni- that helped me so much! :D

You want to accomplish three things with a college admission essay

1. Memorability: Don't write about something generic. Whatever you write about should be specific to only YOU. If someone else could write an essay about the same thing, pick a different topic. Everyone wants to write about why college is so important to them, or why their mom is such a great role model. Think big!

2. New Information: Your GPA, class rank and things like that are already evidenced on your transcript. The story you tell should highlight another aspect of why you're a good candidate for the university.

3. Sell yourself. You want the person reading that essay to see you as a responsible and motivated individual. Talk about future plans, what you want to do with your degree, etc.

Using a story is a great idea for an essay, probably the best way to go, just make sure it highlights your strengths. I wrote my essay about how I had to volunteer at a health department, initially against my will, and how it completely changed my perspective and made me want to be a nurse. In about 600 words, I showed I was responsible, that I had a plan for the future and I wanted to make a difference in the world. It's a lot to accomplish, but it can be done!

I never had to write one, but I think if I were to write one I would just talk about my life and maybe why going to college is so important to me.