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Lesson One: Tackling the
Question
 Introduction
Whoever
first said that you should worry only about the things you can control was not
helping to ease the concerns of the student writing his or her application
essay. By that criterion, the student-writer should be very worried indeed.
The scariest aspect of the admissions essay is that you have total control
over it. With our help, you will learn to see the essay-writing process not as
a daunting obstacle, but as a stimulating opportunity. When you send out your
application, you will—in theory—have nothing left to worry about, knowing
that you have capitalized on all the means available to you.
The
admissions process is extremely selective. Talented and motivated students
from around the world compete against each other for a scarce number of spots.
Facing the difficult task of choosing among often indistinguishable
candidates, admissions officers must rely heavily on those factors that
provide insight into the applicants' characters, and these usually boil down
to recommendation letters and essays. Although you can and should choose your
recommendation writers carefully, the essay remains the only aspect of your
application under your total control.
What
makes the essay such a useful measure is that it represents you on two fronts:
the substantive details of your experiences themselves and the style and
approach you use to present them. Both aspects can and should say a great deal
about your abilities and qualifications.
The
number-one mistake that writers make is to stick to formulas and thereby end
up blending in with everyone else. The purpose of this guide is not to teach
formulas, but rather to give the necessary direction for you to create an
original and effective essay. We will teach you how to choose appropriate
topics and themes, how to structure your essay as a coherent and flowing
piece, and how to convey your ideas through engaging and active language.
Select One:
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EssayEdge
Extra: Who’s Reading My Essay?
A
typical admissions committee consists of:
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An
experienced director who's been working in college admissions for
ten to twenty years
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One
or two associate directors with five years of experience
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A
handful of assistants who have just graduated from the college
The
assistants read all the applications, but the associate directors and
director read only what the assistants pass along. Some schools will
subject your essay to further scrutiny by circulating your file among
members of an admissions committee comprised of several individuals,
including admissions officials, faculty members, and possibly current
students.
In short, your principal audience consists of young men and women
about four to five years older than you are. In other words, you are
writing for your peers.
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