Letters and Essays
Letters of Recommendation
In addition to the above, you'll definitely be asked for letters of recommendation. Ideally, include at least one letter written by someone – not a relative! – who can describe your personal qualities. At least one letter should come from someone who can attest to your work ethic, your leadership qualities, or any accomplishments that demonstrate your integrity and intelligence. Suggested writers include:
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Coaches
- Employers or supervisors (if you’ve been a volunteer)
Give your letter-writers enough time to prepare their recommendations. They will appreciate your giving them a list of achievements and any other information you’d like them to include. After you request a letter, don’t forget to follow up by sending thank-you notes. It wouldn’t hurt to let them know about your success, too, so tell them where you’ve been accepted and what school you’ll be attending.
For an excellent resource for undergraduate college admissions applications – including samples from hundreds of institutions – check out The Common Application.
Your Application Essay – The Personal Touch
As depersonalized as the world seems these days, to colleges and universities , you are NOT just a statistic. Of course, they have to consider your grades, your test scores, and any college credits earned. But according to the College Board, nearly 80 percent of schools also factor into their decisions your sincere interest in attending their schools. They want to know who you are and how you envision yourself as a potentially productive and satisfied member of their campus community.
To that end, most schools expect a personal statement from you, one that typically asks you to analyze yourself. This statement is usually in the form of an essay and is not expected to exceed 500 words, but check the school for required format and length. Some schools may require short answers to specific questions, so make sure that you read them very carefully and answer the questions directly.
What information should you include in your statement? Here are some fairly typical topics:
- One of the most difficult decisions you’ve ever made
- What you expect from higher education (and what you have to offer)
- A vocation that you feel you are destined to fulfill
- An important experience, personal achievement, or challenging circumstance that defines who you are now
- A journey or incident that led to a significant insight
- A relationship with someone that has shaped your character in a definable way
Edit or Forget It
Since your statement is also a document by which the school can evaluate your writing skills, make sure your finished product is polished. A sloppy or unclear essay will end up in the circular file – the trash can. So proofread, review, and edit your writing for organization, clarity of expression, and grammar. It’s a good idea to ask someone to review for errors, but be warned – be honest! The author of your statement must be you and you alone.
Remember that your essay is the gateway for readers – those gatekeepers – to gain a fuller understanding of you. Make sure that the supporting points in your story illustrate the unique qualities of your personality, your aspirations, and your intelligence. Your purpose is not to argue an issue, so steer clear of personal statements that assert a position on hot-button controversies like politics or religion.
For expert advice and assistance on college admissions essays, including samples from successful applications, visit Essay Edge, a CyberEdit network site.