College admission essays continue to play a crucial role in the college admissions process. Most colleges require you to submit an essay to decide between applicants who may otherwise share similar academic credentials. College essays help admissions by becoming the point of distinction between applicants who have a lot in common in terms of their profile and grades.
These essays are written from the perspective of the applicant, providing the college with a unique glimpse of the goals and intentions of the student and helping them assess the fit beyond grades and test scores. Therefore, it is very important that you dedicate a substantial amount of time and effort to perfecting them. There is a lot that can go wrong with the essays, starting right from the prompt selection to its execution to the tone and language.
Here is what Christopher Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University has to say about college essays and their tone:
"The tone does not have to be formal, and the language does not have to be particularly sophisticated. In fact, sometimes those can get in the way of the reader getting a sense of you. You should approach it as if it were a conversation you were having with an adult who is particularly interested in what you have to say. Not as casual as if you were speaking with a friend or classmate, but not as formal as if it were a paper you were writing for an assignment. If you read your essay out loud, and it sounds like something you'd say to an adult sitting across from you listening to you with interest, you'll be on the right track."
Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University
It is important for you to craft these essays meticulously and highlight traits and goals that are most relevant to your personality. Here are some points you can lay more emphasis on:
Mood: Mood can refer to the overall feel of the writing. It can be anything from happy or sad to everything in between. Your mood is reflected to the readers, in this case, the admissions committee. Use imagery and descriptive language that conveys your mood through your writing.
Syntax: Syntax, while writing, could mean sentence construction, word order, and coordination between them. It is important for you to consider syntax while writing so that it doesn't come off as fragmented to the reader.
Structure: Like in most writing pieces, the structure usually remains the introduction, main body, and conclusion. Make sure the introduction gives the reader an idea about the direction your writing is headed in, points in the body are explored in detail, and your conclusion brings together all the main points.
Pronouns: The pronouns you use while writing the essay can contribute to the mood of the essay. Writing your essay in the third person might have a very different effect on the reader than a first-person pronoun would have. Before you write, consider the impact you want the reader to have when they read your essay, and pick your pronouns intelligently.
Tone: Unlike mood, tone refers to the author's attitude. This conveys a lot about your personality. Refrain from writing the entire article in a neutral tone because that can make it seem uninteresting to the reader since it falls short of conveying your personality.
Diction: While crafting essays, it is essential to have a good command of your diction, but it's also important to know when not to overdo it. Keep your words plain and simple, and don't make them too technical and scientific. Do not fill your essay with artificial flavoring to sound more intelligent to the admissions officers.
College admission essays are your opportunity to shine in a highly competitive admissions landscape. Make sure you write them in a way that reflects your goals and aspirations while also staying true to your experiences. They are the perfect place for you to convey your uniqueness, demonstrate your fit with the college, tell your story, and reflect on your goals. Make the most of this opportunity to get up and close with the admissions committee.
If you’re looking to apply to international universities or exploring overseas higher education options, The Headmaster Consulting can help you narrow your selection while keeping track of your requirements for your financial needs while tracking overseas education options. If you want personalized roadmaps to your dream universities, get in touch with our consultants to help you build your profile and applications.
Комментарии