College Essays

What's The Deal With College Essays?

While not all colleges require an essay with your application, the majority of them do. Through your English classes at Lakeland, you will likely get some practice writing these essays. Take that seriously! It could really help.

Here's what you will likely have to write for college admission:

Two-Year Schools: Essays are typically not required, but you might need one for scholarships, honors programs, etc.

Four-Year Schools: You'll need at least one "main" essay that you will use for most of your applications. Some schools won't use these essays, but will have their own topics. Some (but not all) of your schools will also require supplemental (additional) essays. Some of these applications may refer to the essay as the "Personal Statement."

The college essay is not meant for you to write about what you think the reader wants to hear about you. It's meant for you to tell an authentic story about the real you. You want this essay to be something that's truly reflective of the person you are - something that details qualities you (and others) are very proud to share. If someone didn't know a thing about you but read that essay, it should tell enough to make them think they really know you. Sure, you want to make sure your grammar and writing skills are sound, but the story is what can really blow admissions representatives away!

Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are specific essay prompts for which a specific school will require a response. Often, they are used to assess whether or not a student is a "fit" for that particular school as well as if you have a genuine interest in attending the school. It's important that you make these very personalized and specific to the school that is requesting them. Unlike the main essay, you won't want to use the same supplemental essay for multiple schools. Think of them more as short answers than as essays - most schools will give a 300 word limit, but some can be much shorter (150 words, or even 150 characters!).

There are many examples of supplemental essay prompts. You can click here or here to see a few!

Additional Information Section

Some applications, including the Common App, provide a space for students to write about other things that are important for an admissions committee to know, but that you might not get a chance to disclose in another place. This should only be utilized if absolutely necessary and is not a place for filler. It is truly meant for important information only.

Some common things that might be included are:

Health-related information

Important details about activities that wouldn't fit on your activities list

Any red flags (like a grade that is far off your norm, or why you dropped a class/activity you were committed to)

Circumstances that made it difficult to be involved in extracurriculars (caring for someone else, working a lot, etc.)

Physical or learning disabilities or differences (you're not required to enclose these, but can if you wish to)