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Admission Essay Topics
The Most
Common Trap
Far too
many times, college applicants feel the need to write about something big and
grandiose with hopes that their bold boastings will win over the hearts of the
admissions staff and make them throw lots of scholarship money in their
direction. As a result, the admission personnel quickly become wary of grandiose
claims and grow even more quickly tired of essays that talk about such things
as:
What
the Admission Committee Really Wants to See
The
admission committee wants to learn more about the "real you" since you
and not the state championship or the prospect of world peace are applying for
admission. They are certainly much more interested in how you think and why you
made particular decisions than they are in the actual accomplishments
themselves. It is much better to give a detailed analysis on why you chose to,
say, study German or French, than to simply state that you were a linebacker on
a team that went to the state finals -- assuming that you are not being
recruited specifically for your football skills of course!
What You
Should Do
It is fine
to talk about your accomplishments, but be sure to keep yourself as the central
focus of the essay. To continue the linebacker of a team that went to the state
finals example, you might be well off describing the camaraderie and realizing
that after the game you would never be able to play with the same set of guys
again. You could also talk about the lessons you learned from your coach's
motivational talks.
It
Takes Time
Is this
easier said than done? Absolutely! But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do what
it takes to complete the task. This whole topic selection process is quite
simply the most important part of your admissions essays which, in turn, are an
important part of your college applications and your future. Do yourself these 2
favors:
-
Allot
yourself adequate time to complete the essays.
-
Enlist
the help of a friend, relative, consultant, teacher, or guidance counselor
for assistance.
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