Does Your Common App Essay Need to Have Accomplishments? (Spoiler Alert: It Doesn’t!)
So, you’re staring at that blank Common Application essay prompt, and your brain is screaming, “But what am I supposed to write about?!” You’ve got a resume bursting with achievements – from winning the school science fair to organizing a charity drive that raised enough money to feed a small village (okay, maybe not a whole village, but, you know, a lot of people). You’re tempted to unleash a torrent of accomplishments onto the page, thinking, “This is my chance to shine!”
Hold your horses, my friend. While showcasing your amazing achievements is important, the Common App essay isn’t your chance to become a human highlight reel. Think of it more like a campfire story – a chance to share an experience that reveals who you are, what you’ve learned, and where you’re going.
The Common App Essay: It’s Not About Bragging, It’s About Sharing
Let’s be honest, college admissions officers have seen it all. They’ve read essays about conquering Mount Everest, founding multinational corporations, and curing cancer (okay, maybe not curing cancer, but, you know, impressive stuff). They’re not looking for a list of “I did this, and I did that, and I did that.” They want to get to know you, the person behind the accolades.
They want to understand:
- What makes you tick? What are you passionate about? What gets you fired up in the morning?
- How have you grown? What challenges have you faced, and what lessons have you learned from them?
- What are your values? What do you believe in? What kind of impact do you want to make on the world?
Think of it this way:
Imagine you’re at a party, and you meet someone who’s really interesting. They don’t spend the whole time bragging about their accomplishments – they tell you a story. They share an experience that reveals something deeper about them, something that makes you want to know more.
The Common App essay is your chance to tell that story. It’s your chance to connect with the admissions officers on a personal level, to show them who you are beyond your achievements.
So, What Should You Write About?
You can write about almost anything, provided it addresses the prompt you’ve chosen.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- A time you failed, and what you learned from it. Failure is a crucial part of life. It’s how we grow, how we learn, and how we become more resilient. Share a story about a time you stumbled, and how you picked yourself up and moved forward.
- A passion you’ve pursued. What excites you? What do you love to do? Share a story about a passion you’ve pursued, whether it’s playing the cello, writing poetry, or building robots. Show how this passion has shaped you and what you’ve learned from it.
- A person who has inspired you. Everyone has someone they admire – a teacher, a mentor, a family member, a hero. Share a story about a person who has inspired you and how they’ve influenced your life.
- An experience that has changed your perspective. We all have moments that shift our way of thinking. Share a story about an experience that has changed your perspective on the world, on yourself, or on something you believed in.
Remember, the goal is to be authentic, relatable, and to show your personality.
How to Make Your Common App Essay Stand Out
Now, let’s talk about how to make your essay truly shine. Here are a few tips:
1. Write about something that’s important to you. Don’t try to impress with a story that’s not genuine. The more authentic you are, the more engaging your essay will be. 2. Don’t just recount—reflect! Instead of just listing what you did, spend time reflecting on what you learned from the experience. What did it teach you about yourself? How did it change your perspective? 3. Being funny is tough. Unless you’re a stand-up comedian, stick to a more serious tone. Humor can be risky in a college application essay, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. 4. Start early and write several drafts. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, write multiple drafts, and get feedback from others. 5. No repeats. Don’t repeat information that’s already in other parts of your application. The essay should be a unique opportunity to share your story. 6. Answer the question being asked. Make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt you’ve chosen. Don’t go off on tangents or try to cram too much into your essay. 7. Have at least one other person edit your essay. Get feedback from someone you trust, like a teacher, counselor, or friend. They can help you catch any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing. 8. Test Your College Knowledge. Take the time to learn what each college is looking for in its applicants. Consider their values, mission, and academic programs. This will help you tailor your essay to each school.
Don’t Forget Your Resume!
While your essay shouldn’t be a resume, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your accomplishments altogether. The Common App has a section for extracurricular activities, awards, and honors. This is where you can showcase your achievements in a concise and organized way.
Remember, the Common App essay is your chance to tell your story. It’s your chance to show the admissions officers who you are beyond your resume. So, relax, be yourself, and tell your story.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources available to help you with your Common App essay. You can talk to your guidance counselor, a college admissions advisor, or even a professional essay editor.
And, if you need even more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community for advice, inspiration, and support! We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and tell your story in a way that will shine.