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How to write a good college essay?

deletedover 10 years

Hey EM, I'm going to be applying to colleges soon, and because my GPA sucks (3.28) I have to do phenomenal on the SAT and write a fantastic college essay if Im going to apply and actually be considered. While I've already taken the SAT, I still need help writing the personal statements and essays. Do you have suggestions? How personal should it be? Thanks for your imput!

(The schools I'm applying to UC Santa Cruz, Riverside, and Merced, UW Seattle, UoArizona, UNLV, and UL - Chicago)

over 10 years

Riddler says

go to a community college which generally doesn't require an essay and then transfer to a four year school - it'll cut out all of the "this is why i want to go to your school" and you'll save an assload of money


This is a very viable option. A lot of my friends are doing community for 2 years then transferring. Ultimately, it depends on their financial status and how mentally prepared they are for living away from home.
over 10 years

Riddler says

go to a community college which generally doesn't require an essay and then transfer to a four year school - it'll cut out all of the "this is why i want to go to your school" and you'll save an assload of money


Hahahahaha shut up idiot
over 10 years
go to a community college which generally doesn't require an essay and then transfer to a four year school - it'll cut out all of the "this is why i want to go to your school" and you'll save an assload of money
over 10 years

animegayboy69 says

at the same time they sort through so much crap that most of what you have to say is probably boring to them


Maybe but operating on that assumption won't help the applicant
over 10 years
Thanks for defining personal statement Shane
over 10 years

ark says

Is a college essay a personal statment or something else?


Think of it like a job interview, make yourself look good without making yourself look like a narcissist. Reflect on your high school career and mention the parts that make you sound like a student that they would like to have.
over 10 years
Is a college essay a personal statment or something else?
over 10 years
at the same time they sort through so much crap that most of what you have to say is probably boring to them
over 10 years
Think about it from the perspective of an admissions team. They're considering whether they want to make an investment in you. You want to demonstrate that you'll contribute to the community on campus and get a good job and either become famous or send them donations after you graduate. If you look like someone who has real career-oriented passion and who's driven to achieve the associated goals then you will be 100% more appealing than the average applicant.
over 10 years

Laexio says

nobody cares about the essay.


That's not true
over 10 years
Write from the heart about the things you're most passionate about but don't be mawkish
over 10 years

Steven says

Am I missing something, cuz google says it's more than 50% acceptance rate, and that is totally doable with a 3.2 provided strong course load. Unless Udub has crazy differences in acceptance rate for out of state.

Back on topic: for a good essay just try to not be generic. They hear 1000 times a day about how they're school is the best and perfect for each applicant. Write about something that interests you


Udub accepts more instate than out of state by a large margin. I believe it's usually those with 3.5+ gpa that they accept, but I could be wrong.
deletedover 10 years
Thanks, all good suggestions.

I'm an American Citizen, I'm just living overseas at the moment.
over 10 years
They want to get to know you when they read the essay so make sure whatever you say is about yourself.
over 10 years
Am I missing something, cuz google says it's more than 50% acceptance rate, and that is totally doable with a 3.2 provided strong course load. Unless Udub has crazy differences in acceptance rate for out of state.

Back on topic: for a good essay just try to not be generic. They hear 1000 times a day about how they're school is the best and perfect for each applicant. Write about something that interests you
over 10 years

Steven says

I had a worse GPA than you. It's all about the classes you're taking


It's also about the quality of the university as well. With a 3.2 and from out of state (or country in this case,) I don't think it's very likely that Smor will get into Udub.
over 10 years
i would open the essay with the standard "cop here i have UC Sata Cruz inno" that should get you on their good side.

you can also try roleswapping. Like saying "So i think you UNLV should join my univesity because its awesome and stuff" that will get them confused wich can go both ways might be real good or real bad for you.

DISCLAIMER: i have no idea how this stuff works. side effects might include working at macdonalds forever. Having trouble paying rent and eating on the same month. And unlearning what you already know-
over 10 years
nobody cares about the essay. just make sure you get it proof read for grammar/spelling by multiple people. good grammar is a better indicator for them than your ability to waffle on about your white, middle class background.
over 10 years
I had a worse GPA than you. It's all about the classes you're taking
over 10 years
write about what made you who you are and what will drive you to do well in the future.
deletedover 10 years
honestly it doesn't have to be "top quality", the purpose is to get through to them what you're burning for and why you're interested

"We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original and creative as you share your own story with us."
deletedover 10 years
lol there's already another topic like this I just saw.