Read on for valuable insights into crafting the best admissions essay, directly from an ex-Ivy admissions officer.
Capturing your most meaningful traits and experiences in 500-700 words is challenging for any student. You want to craft an essay that stands out from the crowd in a way the admissions committee has never encountered, all the while aligning with exactly what they’re seeking to convince them that you’re the perfect candidate.
Achieving both of these tasks requires a delicate balance that can be difficult to navigate on your own. Fortunately, as a former admissions officer at Columbia, I’ve seen it all—the brilliance, the blunders, and the downright blandness. Here are my top five tips to ensure you land in the former category and write a killer essay!
1. Keep it Simple
Students often believe only the very best writers write winning personal statements. Let me debunk this myth: you don’t have to be a literary genius to craft an outstanding personal statement. If writing isn’t your strong suit, it only means you have to spend more time refining your essay and should consider getting additional help or feedback.
Simplicity is key. You don’t have to use sophisticated language or convoluted metaphors to get your point across. Your ideas just need to be clear, flow seamlessly together, and form a cohesive, unique narrative.
Writing in your own voice will help the admissions committee connect with you on a deeper level, and it will make your statement more authentic!
2. Be Specific
The best personal statements I read were specific, left no room for vagueness, and had clear intent. Prioritize precision throughout your personal statement. Avoid generalities and dive into the nitty-gritty details that define your experiences.
Instead of merely stating you’re passionate about physics, illustrate how late-night discussions over quantum mechanics with your friends fueled your fascination. The more concrete and detailed your anecdotes, the more vividly your story will come to life, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Part of this involves knowing why you’re applying to your desired schools, what you hope to get out of these schools, and where you plan to be in the future. You don’t need to have a strict 10-year plan per se, but you should have some direction you can offer the admissions committee regarding the good that will come out of your admission!
3. Think Outside the Box
While it might seem daunting to get creative with your personal statement, doing so will help you stand out. Embrace the power of unconventional techniques in your writing. Paint your story through visual storytelling, letting readers see your journey like scenes in a film.
Elevate your narrative with metaphors that add depth and reveal layers of meaning beneath the surface. Experiment with non-chronological narratives, but ensure your timelines are clear and don’t confuse your reader.
Lastly, don’t shy away from connecting seemingly unrelated aspects of your life—your love for math might just intertwine beautifully with your passion for skateboarding!
4. Come Full Circle
While crafting an attention-grabbing introduction with an enticing hook is undoubtedly crucial, don’t make the mistake of underestimating the significance of an impactful conclusion. Your closing paragraph holds immense weight—don’t let it slip through the cracks!
Distributing your efforts evenly across each section of your essay is essential to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Remember, a strong beginning and a powerful ending together shape the reader’s overall perception of your essay.
Don’t just summarize your essay in your conclusion. You have limited space, so make it count! Add insightful reflections, answer the question “so what?” and leave your readers feeling satisfied.
5. Don’t Get Intimidated By Word Counts
Don’t feel compelled to meet the maximum word counts. As admissions committees wade through countless essays, we actually lean towards concise statements rather than those packed with unnecessary content just to hit the word limit.
Remember, quantity doesn’t always win—opt for quality and let your words truly shine! Do not overstuff with fluff!
Final Thoughts
As you embark upon the challenging road of writing your admissions essays, keep these tips in mind. Your unique story is your greatest asset—embrace it, quirks and all! Be precise, bold, and try to have fun with it (which I know can be a hard ask!) Your personal statement is you on a page, so make it extraordinary!
Author Bio:
Mary Banks is the Senior Admissions Consultant at Quad Education. She is also the former Director of Admissions at the Columbia School of Nursing and former Director of Admissions for the School of Education, Nursing, and the Arts at NYU.
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