College Essays

College Essays All completed applications received by November 1 will receive an admission decision by February 1, which may include a deferred decision to March 1 . ACT or SAT test scores are not required for the Fall 2021 admissions application. Applicants may choose to submit either the ACT or SAT as part of their admissions application. When provided, ACT and/or SAT scores will continue to serve as just one of the many factors considered in our review of a student’s application. There is an online resource for frequently asked questions regarding submitting standardized test scores. These optional materials will be accepted as part of the application if a student chooses to submit them. Don’t be afraid to talk to professors or professionals in the field. Many of them would be flattered that you asked their advice, and they will have useful suggestions that others might not have. Also keep in mind that many colleges and professional programs offer websites addressing the personal statement. Applicants will sometimes digress, then fall in love with their digression and not be willing to cut it. Five hundred or less words isn’t much, so be sure that the essay remains focused on fully answering all aspects of the prompt, as they are asked. One “don’t” that I think is particularly important is to resist the urge to sell yourself. Don’t bore the reader; that is key to your success. The topic of your essay does not really matter, as long as you avoid the over-used topics- i.e. scoring the winning goal, my summer of community service. Other topics that might be considered “inappropriate” touch on Sex, Religion and Politics. Essays that state, “No one could possibly be better qualified for your program than me,” or some variation of that, risk a backlash from Admissions Directors. Well, I’ll be the judge of that.” Instead, illustrate why you are so well qualified and let readers come to that conclusion themselves. Do not go over the word count â€" make it concise and smart. There are many do’s and don’ts regarding the college application essay. A particularly critical “do” is to make sure that your essay stays on point. You must report your entire academic record, including all college credit earned. Such coursework must be detailed on your admissions application, and you must submit official transcripts documenting the coursework. Generally, you should plan to submit your essay in conjunction with your admissions application. Please find information below to assist you in completing your application for admission and address frequently asked questions. For tips on putting this advice to good use, see our handout on getting feedback. Find the most relevant, memorable, concrete statements and focus in on them. Eliminate any generalizations or platitudes (“I’m a people person”, “Doctors save lives”, or “Mr. Calleson’s classes changed my life”), or anything that could be cut and pasted into anyone else’s application. Find what is specific to you about the ideas that generated those platitudes and express them more directly. One is to show his energy, activity, enthusiasm within his favorite business. You do not want to inadvertently offend your reader, so you need to also curb your use of “taboo” language. Your essay should be one that only you could write- it needs to reflect who you are. Better to impress admission with your personal qualities. The priority deadline offers students the opportunity to receive their admission decision up to one month earlier. Students may also contact the Office of Admissions at with additional questions. The optional information below is NOT required for admissions consideration, but will be considered as part of the student’s application for admission if submitted. The following materials may be required of some students where applicable. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at to speak with an admissions counselor. You can find them either through the website of the school to which you are applying or by searching under “personal statement” or “application essays” using a search engine. Get several people to read it and write their comments down. It is worthwhile to seek out someone in the field, perhaps a professor who has read such essays before. The key is to get more than one point of view, and then compare these with your own. Remember, you are the one best equipped to judge how accurately you are representing yourself.