Preparation for applications

What part of the application process do you find most challenging?

For my students, it is writing the personal statement and supplemental essays. Focusing on yourself and even writing about your achievements is very difficult. I like to have my students practice this by giving them prompts from former application prompts. I always hear students groan when I assign this activity, and they dislike it. However, I think it is so important. It gives them the practice of writing about themselves. It also gives them ideas of what to write about. Occasionally, I will hear students thank me, as one of their applications might have a similar prompt, and they had an excellent start to their essay.

Personal essays are also tricky because the writing style will differ depending on where you apply. US applications need to be more about the student overcoming something, whereas, for the UK (and well, everywhere else for that matter), it needs to focus on their desired major, why you, and sticking to the facts. Either way, an excellent personal statement sells your ability as a student to the university.

What do I recommend?

Practice writing essays. Write the facts, write about yourself. Have your college counselor read over your work. Ensure you’re writing at your level. While Universities are looking for well-written statements, if they are too advanced or using higher-level terms (that are maybe too high for a freshman in University to know) they may begin to wonder if you understand the meaning. Ask your English teacher if they would be willing to help you proofread your personal statement. Most importantly, make sure that you have a few versions on hand to work with.