College essays - what’s the current thinking?

[Anonymous]

For those who have been there, done that, is it better to be “strategic” or genuine? A charming story about something you love, or a crafted essay that weaves together your academic interests with your personal values?

[Anonymous]

I let the kid write what he wanted. In the end, he sounded like a 17 year old boy who obviously did not pay for his essay. It was good enough for his first choice college.

[Anonymous]

College counselor here. Parents overestimate the power of the essay(s). Don't overthink/angst over this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:College counselor here. Parents overestimate the power of the essay(s). Don't overthink/angst over this.

truer words never spoken

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those who have been there, done that, is it better to be “strategic” or genuine? A charming story about something you love, or a crafted essay that weaves together your academic interests with your personal values?

Yes to the first, neither to the second & third. It’s the one place to add some dimension to your packet. Assume that everyone has the grades and scores. There’s a list of impressive activities. What’s left are the essays and letters of recommendations that help the admissions officers get a sense of who the applicant is. This is what will separate out students from the maybe pile to the yes pile. Give the officers who are reading the packet something to grab onto and share when they’re in committee.

Write about the something you love while weaving in your experiences and interests. Let 3-4 traits/values come through clearly in what you learned about yourself through those experiences. Most importantly, it has to be in your (the applicant’s) voice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those who have been there, done that, is it better to be “strategic” or genuine? A charming story about something you love, or a crafted essay that weaves together your academic interests with your personal values?

Yes to the first, neither to the second & third. It’s the one place to add some dimension to your packet. Assume that everyone has the grades and scores. There’s a list of impressive activities. What’s left are the essays and letters of recommendations that help the admissions officers get a sense of who the applicant is. This is what will separate out students from the maybe pile to the yes pile. Give the officers who are reading the packet something to grab onto and share when they’re in committee.

Write about the something you love while weaving in your experiences and interests. Let 3-4 traits/values come through clearly in what you learned about yourself through those experiences. Most importantly, it has to be in your (the applicant’s) voice.

There are many institutional priorities that move maybe files to the yes pile before the essays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:College counselor here. Parents overestimate the power of the essay(s). Don't overthink/angst over this.

That's what the admissions official at W&M told me. They expect to see high school level work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:College counselor here. Parents overestimate the power of the essay(s). Don't overthink/angst over this.

Interesting, I always hear college admissions officials emphasize their holistic process and a student’s “story.” I assumed essays and recommendations play heavily into that.

[Anonymous]

It should be as well "crafted" as your hs student can manage. But either subject matter is fine. And no one expects New Yorker quality writing. The goal is to convey who you are as well as you can. That's it.

-- have worked as a personal statement coach

[Anonymous]

Both actually. You should put time into thought into the concept and the writing, but it should reflect your kid’s true voice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:College counselor here. Parents overestimate the power of the essay(s). Don't overthink/angst over this.

Interesting, I always hear college admissions officials emphasize their holistic process and a student’s “story.” I assumed essays and recommendations play heavily into that.

They can’t move an unqualified kid into the Yes pile. But they can distinguish two qualified kids from each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both actually. You should put time into thought into the concept and the writing, but it should reflect your kid’s true voice.

Who is the "You" here and why does it read as if it's different from "your kid"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those who have been there, done that, is it better to be “strategic” or genuine? A charming story about something you love, or a crafted essay that weaves together your academic interests with your personal values?

I found some of these to be surprisingly accurate:

https://www.tiktok.com/@tineocollegeprep/video/7452886577069460766

[Anonymous]

Most schools have supplemental essays that allow the student to articulate their interest in the school and major. Admission officers have read literally thousands of essays before they get to your kids and will only spend a few minutes (at best) reading it. So use the primary essay to write something genuine.

[Anonymous]

My kid's common app essay was a personal narrative that illustrated their personality and values. I thought the essay captured their true essence and kindness.
They wrote it themselves and we didn't overthink it. In contrast, they used the supplemental essays to show fit to major/school, academic interests, intellectual curiosity, etc. Those were strategic and I believe the essays and teacher recs made a difference. Kid was accepted early to an ivy and other great options.There are so many qualified kids, so it's important for kids to use the essays to tell their story, show fit, be likeable, -- give admissions people compelling reasons to say yes and choose you.