College Application Essays

Depending on the schools that you are applying to this fall, you will need to write several essays as a part of your application process. The essays are a way for you to show the college admissions board more about yourself-- who you are beyond your gpa and test scores. They are a vital part of the process, and it is important that you spend time working on them and crafting your responses. I suggest you begin by brainstorming and treating the prompts as free-writes and journal responses, before working to structure them as a formal essay.

There is no "right way" to write the essays, but there are many things you want to avoid. (See the Do's and Don'ts Slideshow above.) Don't write what you think they want to hear, or try to sound like someone you are not; it comes across as disingenuous. Be yourself. Be honest. Let who you are, what you love, what you believe in, come through.

The UC schools require you to write 4 "personal insight" short response essays, each no more than 350 words. There are 8 prompts to choose from, and you choose which 4 you want to respond to.

If you are applying to any private schools, you will likely be using the Common App. For the Common App essay, there are 7 prompts to choose from and you write ONE essay of 650 words max.

Many schools also have their own questions, beyond the Common App essay, so be sure to read all of the requirements on the schools' admissions websites.

UC Personal Insight Questions

Common App Essay Prompts for 2020-21

Tips for writing your College App Essay from the College Board

How to Write Your College Essay from U.S. News

Admissions Counselors say: Don't write about the Corona Virus.

Letters of Recommendation

Tips for getting good Letters of Rec.

• • If possible, ask the teacher about writing your letter personally before sending an email request.

  • Send teachers/coaches that you have asked to write a letter your resume and "brag sheet". Tell us what you do outside of the classroom that we can include in your letter; make sure to include extra-curricular activities, clubs, and community service.

  • Don't wait until the last minute!!