How to Write a Good Common App Essay (2015 Edition, Because Apparently, Time Travel is Still a Thing)
So, you’re staring down the barrel of the Common App essay. That dreaded 650-word monster that’s supposed to encapsulate your entire life story, your dreams, your hopes, and your fears.
Let’s be real, though: it’s an essay, not a biography. You’re not trying to write the definitive tome of your existence (though, that could be a good read, right?). You’re trying to make a good impression on the admissions committee, convince them you’re not just a GPA and test score, and show them that you’re a human with a story worth telling.
Think of it like this: it’s your chance to be the main character in your own movie trailer. You want to grab their attention, show them the highlights, and leave them wanting more.
But, where do you start?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
The “Background, Identity, Interest” Trio: Your Story’s A-Team
The Common App says you should write about “background, identity, interest.” It’s a bit vague, isn’t it? Like, “Find your purpose, young Jedi.” It’s enough to make you want to run screaming into the nearest Starbucks for a venti caramel macchiato, right? Don’t panic.
Think of it as a clue:What’s shaped you into the person you are today?
- Background: Think about where you came from. Is there a family tradition, a cultural event, or a significant life experience that has left a lasting mark on you?
- Identity: What defines you? Is it your passion for competitive origami, your love of baking sourdough bread, or your deep-seated belief that pineapple on pizza is a travesty?
- Interest: What makes you tick? What are you curious about? What are you passionate about? What keeps you up at night, thinking, “I’ve got to learn more about that!”
Your story is just waiting to be uncovered.
Don’t Just Recount – Reflect!
This is where the magic happens. It’s not enough just to tell your story. You need to dig deep and reflect on what it means. Think about the lessons you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve faced, and the growth you’ve experienced.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you’re writing about your passion for building robots. You could just talk about the robots you’ve built and the competitions you’ve entered.
But, what if you reflected on why you’re so passionate about robotics?
- “Building robots taught me the importance of problem-solving, perseverance, and the joy of seeing something you created come to life.”
- “My first robot was a disaster. Literally. It was supposed to be a simple line-following bot, but it kept going in circles. I spent weeks debugging it, and in the process, I learned the value of patience and how to approach challenges with a creative mindset.”
See the difference? You’re not just telling a story; you’re showing the admissions committee what you’ve gained from it.
Common App Essay Format: The Skeleton Key
Here’s the breakdown on how to make your Common App essay stand out:
- Word Count: 250-650 words. That’s a sweet spot for a good essay. Too short, and you won’t have enough space to make your point. Too long, and you risk losing your reader.
- Structure: You can use a standard five-paragraph structure:
- Introduction: Grab their attention, introduce your topic, and state your thesis (what you’re trying to say).
- Body Paragraphs: Develop your points with evidence and examples.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and make a lasting impression.
- No Indentation: The Common App platform won’t let you indent your paragraphs. Use an empty line to separate them.
Tips for a Stellar College Application Essay:
Here are some tips to help you write an essay that will stand out:
- Write about something that’s important to you. Pick a topic you’re passionate about. It will make the writing process more enjoyable, and your genuine interest will shine through.
- Don’t just recount—reflect! Tell a story, but go beyond just the facts. Reflect on the meaning behind the experience, the lessons you learned, and the impact it has had on you.
- Being funny is tough. Unless you’re a natural comedian, don’t try to be funny for the sake of being funny. Focus on being genuine and authentic.
- Start early and write several drafts. Don’t try to write the perfect essay in one sitting. Write a draft, take a break, then come back and revise it. Repeat this process until you’re happy with it.
- No repeats. Avoid repeating information from other parts of your application. Use this essay to showcase something unique about yourself.
- Answer the question being asked. Read the essay prompt carefully and make sure you’re addressing it directly.
- Have at least one other person edit your essay. Fresh eyes can catch errors you might have missed.
- Test Your College Knowledge. Make sure you understand the college’s values, mission, and programs. Tailor your essay to show how you’d be a good fit for that specific institution.
The Hook: The First Bite of Your Story
A good hook is like a delicious appetizer—it makes your reader want more. Here are some ways to grab their attention:
- An intriguing rhetorical question. “What if I told you that my love for baking sourdough bread led me to discover a new way to solve complex problems?”
- A surprising fact or statistic. “Did you know that 90% of people have never tasted a real sourdough loaf?”
- A relevant quotation. “‘The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.’ This quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson has shaped my understanding of personal growth and my commitment to finding my own path.”
- An interesting anecdote. “The first time I tried to bake sourdough bread, it was a disaster. The starter turned into a slimy mess, and the bread turned out like a brick. But, I didn’t give up. I learned from my mistakes and eventually, I baked the most delicious sourdough loaf I’d ever tasted.”
- An evocative image or description. “The smell of sourdough bread baking in the oven is a sensory explosion. It’s a warm, yeasty aroma that fills the kitchen with a comforting hug.”
- A common misconception. “Many people believe that baking sourdough bread is difficult and time-consuming. While it does require patience and attention to detail, it’s actually quite rewarding.”
The Rough Draft: Your First Attempt at Flight
Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s just a starting point. Don’t worry about making it perfect now. Just get your thoughts down on paper. The key is to write freely and let your ideas flow. Don’t be afraid to be messy, awkward, or even a bit silly.
Here’s a little secret:Your rough drafts should be even longer than 650 words. Think of it like a plane taking off – it needs a long runway to gain momentum. By writing more than you need, you can create space to explore your ideas, experiment with different approaches, and really delve into your story. Then, when you’re ready to edit, you can cut out the excess and refine your essay into a polished piece.
The Common App Essay: Your Chance to Shine
Remember, the Common App essay isn’t just about your past; it’s about your potential. It’s a chance to show the admissions committee who you are, what you care about, and why you’re a good fit for their college.
So, embrace your story. Dig deep, reflect on your experiences, and let your personality shine. And most importantly, have fun with it! Writing your essay should be an enjoyable process, not a chore.
If you need help with your Common App essay, or if you want to talk about how to write a good essay in general, you can always connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you on your journey to college, no matter what stage you’re at.
Good luck!