Advice
For Rising Seniors.
For Rising Seniors.
Colleges want to gain a complete sense of their applicants, and the essay is an opportunity for students to share something that admissions officers may not find anywhere else in their application. The essay will be especially important if a student is not submitting test scores. Colleges must find a way to learn more about a student, and a well-written essay can provide the answer.
A student’s choice of an essay topic should be one that allows them to write with an authentic voice that ‘shows, not tells’ who they are and how their mind works. When colleges are comparing applicants that may have similar grades and accomplishments, this kind of essay can often help a student stand out during the review process. In addition, an essay that clearly demonstrates something that is unique to a student enables a college admissions committee to get a sense of their likeability and if they are a good fit for the school.
The Common Application offers a range of essay topics or prompts that allows a student to write about their life experiences, insights, important moments, or passions and interests. These prompts offer a student a chance to talk openly about themselves, their pursuits, or an experience that left an impression on their lives and how they grew from it. More importantly, each essay is opportunity for a student to display intellectual curiosity. That is, connecting their story to what it has taught them and how they have applied that lesson to their education.
The Common Application essay prompts for Fall 2022 admissions can be found at: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts.
Coalition Application essay prompts for Fall 2022 admissions can be found at: https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/essays.
Private colleges or larger universities systems often develop their own prompts or ask for personal statements that are supplemental to the Common Application or Coalition Application. It is important that seniors check each of their schools’ websites to determine if they will need additional essays or personal statements and make note of this on their Application Management Charts.
Acuity is defined as “a sharpness or keenness of thought and perception.” It is frequently used to describe an intellectual capacity that is quick-minded and able to focus on details with clarity and understanding.
Acuity College Counseling, LLC strives to have its students show colleges that they have a passion for learning. Our goal is to help them create applications and essays that clearly demonstrate their own acuity, and that they are ready to take the next steps in their educational journey.
Acuity College Counseling, LLC
Phone: 703-216-9291