College Admission Essays
Dear Mr. Bradshaw — I’m applying to college and I’m a little confused about the essays. Most colleges require a personal essay, but some of the more selective colleges require several additional essays.
Some of them are limited to 150 words or even to just 120 characters. Are these shorter essays really important? Or are they just fill-in-the-blank type questions about which I don’t have to worry? — Applicant.
Short essays make big impressions
Dear Applicant — Indeed, the short essays are important, and you should take them very seriously.
Colleges need more than one way to evaluate you, so they came up with a series of short essays. Each one is assigned a numerical score. These scores are then tallied, along with the rest of the application — grades, test scores, extracurricular activities. Together, they make up your overall evaluation. This what they use when they vote to admit or reject you.
Short essays help colleges identify what admissions committees call “noncognitive traits.” These include such intangibles as leadership ability, toughness of character and creativity. They also help colleges identify students who might have a higher risk of dropping out or who need extra tutoring.
Many colleges follow the format of the Common Application and require two essays. The first is the short-answer essay: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experience.” This is the one you pointed out as being limited to 150 words. Admissions officials are looking for personality traits that go beyond grade-point averages and standardized test scores.
If you take the time to write a great essay, it should improve your odds of getting in. But if you write a boring essay, regardless if it is well-written, you run the risk of rejection — even with top grades and test scores.
Gerald M. Bradshaw of Crown Point consults with students on how to gain admission to selective colleges, universities and law schools. Contact him at www.bradshawcollegeconsulting.com or 866-687-8129.
His e-mail address is gerald_bradshaw@post.harvard.edu
