The College Essay

Many colleges require students to demonstrate their values and/or intellectual capabilities by
responding to a variety of essay topics. Most private colleges and many state schools use responses to
essay questions to evaluate a candidate subjectively to supplement objective data such as grades and
test scores. How and what a student writes can be one of the most important elements in an admission
decision. In answering an essay question, the following pointers can be helpful.
If an application essay does not require a particular focus, choose a subject that will help an admissions
representative to understand you better. Decide what factors paint a picture of you. Topics could range
from the fear you felt at your first college interview to a commitment to a Junior Achievement program.
Make your profile come alive with your essay.
The way in which you select information about yourself and the way in which this information is
presented are keys to college admission. The essay will make a strong impression about you to a
college.
In answering a question such as spending time with someone admired, living or deceased, be original.
Student choices ranged from Genghis Khan to Fanny Farmer. Don’t try to second guess the admissions
staff to give them what you think they want to hear.
If a college asks why have you chosen this university, refer to specifics within the program. “I have
chosen Penn State University because of the outstanding science facilities available to undergraduate
students.” “I look forward to attending the School of Business and Economics at Washington and
Jefferson because of the well-rounded background I will be provided within a small business
management program.”
It is not a good idea to submit an essay written for another purpose, nor is a simple narrative about a
trip or other experience generally effective. Instead, describe a particular event that had an impact on
you, or note your strongest feelings and how they affected you. Remember… you are writing to a
college, not a friend or psychologist.

Following are some suggestions from Peterson’s Guide to help you put your thoughts into words:
Make a List
Travel
List all your activities from the past four years (school, community, lessons, work, awards). This
will help you find topics for essays and will also be helpful to people writing recommendations
for you.
List travel experiences and note significant impressions and feelings. Write down reasons why
you liked Yellowstone National Park other than the beauty that everyone else would write
about.
Favorite Sayings
Think of one or two sayings that you’ve heard again and again around your house. How have
they shaped your life?
Accomplishments
Shortcomings
Personal Traits
Describe an accomplishment you had to struggle to achieve. Include what it was, how you
tackled it, and how it changed you.
List any shortcomings in your record and explain how they occurred. If you could relive the last
four years, what would you change and how?
What personality traits do you value most in yourself? How have these helped you?
Now, Paint a Picture of Yourself
From these lists, you may find an essay topic that allows you to paint a good picture of yourself.
For more information on the Essay as it pertains to the college application and sample essays, see
Completing the Application (p. 43).