College Essays & Writing
Your college essay is the final puzzle piece that binds together all the other parts of your application.
It can provide a central theme that conveys the passion and reasoning that drove you to pursue certain courses, activities and projects, further confirmed by your transcripts and recommendation letters. Essays are your chance to complete the picture of you for an admissions committee to view.
YOU are in complete control. Don't leave out any important pieces or admission reps won't get the full picture of who you are.
Types of College Essays/Writing: (click to learn more)
Additional Information Section
College Specific Supplemental Essays
University of California Essays
FAQ's (click to see more or less):
How much do essays count?
In general, the more selective the college, the more the essays are weighed. A mediocre essay will probably not eliminate a student from consideration; however, a poor essay may negatively affect chances for acceptance. An outstanding essay, on the other hand, may provide an admissions officer with a reason to accept a student with weaker test scores and grades.
Do all colleges require essays?
Not all colleges require essays.
Close to 200 Common App colleges do not require a Personal Essay.
Almost 350 Common App colleges do not require additional college-specific essays.
However, if you’ve taken the time to write a Personal Essay for other colleges you’re applying to, you should go ahead and submit it.
I don't have anything else to say. Do I really need to complete the Additional Information section?
Many application forms provide an Additional Information section to allow elaboration on special circumstances or any topic of your choice.
Because the Additional Information section is optional, many students decline to provide more information. However, if you are applying to more selective schools or if you believe that other essay opportunities provided have not allowed you to convey your entire story, the Additional Information space is a good opportunity to further describe yourself.
See the Additional Information Section page for more information.
When should I start?
Your junior year is the appropriate time to begin thinking about what you would like to say. Even if you do not know the specific questions, you can start developing a personal essay and trying out topic ideas. Exact essay questions can be viewed when the latest college applications come out in the summer, but the questions often remain the same for several years.
Fairview Language Arts teachers introduce the personal essay in the spring of your junior year. You will be encouraged to explore a topic and produce a working draft.
Most students applying to a number of selective colleges will begin exploring several topics and angles over the summer before senior year.
What should I write about? What should I NOT write about?
See the Personal Essay page for more information.
