The College Essay
Some colleges use the essay to help them select their students, while others do not require an essay. Most, however, do not object to having an essay submitted. Because of stiff competition for admission, an essay might help the committee select you even though you might not meet their entrance criteria.
Whether you’re applying to college for the first time or looking to complete your degree, Common App will help you reach new heights.
Choose your Common App Essay Prompt... |
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
|
|
Just for fun...
Friday Night Lights Fan? Spoiler alert: Here's a college essay from a character in season 4. “Two years ago, I was afraid of wanting anything. I figured wanting would lead to trying and trying would lead to failure. But now I find I can't stop wanting.I want to fly somewhere on first class. I want to travel to Europe on a business trip. I want to get invited to the White House. I want to learn about the world. I want to surprise myself. I want to be important. I want to be the best person I can be. I want to define myself instead of having others define me. I want to win and have people be happy for me. I want to lose and get over it. I want to not be afraid of the unknown. I want to grow up to be generous and big-hearted, the way people have been with me. I want an interesting and surprising life. It's not that I think I'm going to get all these things; I just want the possibility of getting them. College represents possibility. The possibility that things are going to change. I can't wait.” |
Personal Statements
What's the difference between a college essay and a personal statement?
- Personal Statement by Augsburg College Faculty
- Writing the Personal Statement: Purdue OWL
- 7 Fatal Errors to Avoid in Your Personal Statement by USA Today
- Writing a Personal Statement by Marissa Brattole (PDF)
- Writing a Personal Statement by Binghamtom University (PDF)
- Examples of Personal Statements: Prepared by the Admissions Office, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (PDF)