It's no secret that the admissions essay is a source of immense stress for young adults. Rest assured, it gets better with practice.
Here's what I believe:
1. Every person has gifts worth highlighting.
2. It's not worth trying to sound like someone you're not. You risk ending up at a school where you won't really be happy! It may not even get you in, since admissions officers are experienced at spotting exaggerations and half-truths.
3. As you write, talk to people who know you well. Think of them more as advisors than editors. Use their advice to improve your editing.
4. Write to express, not to impress! This runs counter to our wish to fit into a mold that's considered desirable, but I would argue that it is ultimately to our benefit. I have often seen genuine expression (and caring about the subject) yield results that are more impressive.
The reason behind this is something of a mystery, but may have to do with writing from a place of self-confidence vs. a place of fear.
How much is your writing driven by what others might think about it (and about you)? You could be standing in your own way without knowing it!
Comments