As college application season begins to intensify, seniors at Schaumburg High School are preparing to address one of the most challenging parts of their applications: the college essay. With admissions becoming increasingly more competitive, students are seeking ways to reflect their unique personality through their writing.
One of the most essential elements of composing an effective essay is to remain true to yourself. The essay allows admissions officers to see applicants as more than a collection of numbers and classes, so students should focus on what matters to them.
“In general, colleges want to see authenticity with a student’s writing,” stated Mrs. Behlke, a college counselor at Schaumburg. “This is a student’s time to shine and share their story in a way that other parts of the college application may not speak to.”
In order to ensure that their essays sound genuine, seniors should choose subjects that personally impact them. While the possibilities for college essay topics are endless, a strong and compelling essay requires a clear and well-defined structure. An attention-grabbing introduction is key, while the body develops the story and a strong conclusion ties everything together.
“While writing my essay, I made sure to use specific examples and details from my life to show who I really am as a person,” says one Schaumburg senior. “When beginning your first draft, write whatever comes to mind first and revise later.”
To help students navigate this daunting process, SHS offers many different resources. The school implemented Maialearning.com in order to help students organize and monitor their applications. Students have access to the SHS Essay Guide created by Student Services, and many people have already attended the Kickoff to College Application Workshop hosted during Open House.
“When I meet with my seniors, I always recommend using their resources,” said Mrs. Behlke.
Additionally, students can speak to their English teachers or make an appointment with their counselors to discuss specifics concerning their essays.
Students can also benefit from constructive feedback given to them by their peers. Last year’s seniors stated that sharing drafts with classmates helped to build confidence in their essays.
“Getting feedback from friends made a big difference,” says one recent graduate. Gaining a different perspective on your writing can help make your essay stronger.
With the right resources and thoughtful advice, SHS seniors can transform their college essays from a source of stress to a powerful tool that showcases their individuality. As the early admissions deadline approaches, spending a little extra time revising and perfecting your writing will make all the difference in the competitive realm of college admissions.