How to write college essays

College application essay Topics

There are three types of college essays -- creative, “why us,” and you – but all of them are designed to see if you can write clearly. Colleges ask these questions to know about you, specifically your preferences, values, and mental process.
Keep in your mind (1) that colleges expect original essays, (2) that colleges know that you can pay someone to write essays for you, and (3) that your servile teachers will write essays for you if you pamper them with apples. Be original and simple.

How do you answer them?

Answering “You” Questions

It is a simple question to answer; choose this over other types of essays. Beware, however, that this is extremely open-ended. Stick to one or two qualities and focus on them. (Don’t tell everything – they want to know you, but not everything.) Remember this is a personal essay. Be direct and prove that you are the person whom you are claimed to be.

Answering “Why Us?” Questions

Read the college catalogue thoroughly and answer the question. Don’t compliment the school needlessly. Sniveling always works against you. Know the college and say straightforwardly why it is the one for you. Name names, courses, professors, facilities to make a clear connection between you and the school.

Answering “Creative” Questions

Colleges want to know your creativity and the breath of knowledge and education. If you are not familiar with the topic, research. Don’t write insincere and vague essays. Write about your real concerns. Taking risks is a good idea but let common sense be your guide. Remember “more focused” essays are the better essays.


Examples of Creative Questions

“If you could balance on a tight rope, over what landscape would you walk? (No net).”
(University of Chicago)
“Briefly discuss a current global issue, indicating why you consider important and what you suggest should be done to deal with it.” (Georgetown University)
“You have just completed your 300-page autobiography. Please submit page 217.” (University of Pennsylvania)
“Step out your front door and tell us what you would change about what you see.” (Lehigh University)
“If you could recommend one work of fiction to your UNC classmates, what would you ask them to read and contemplate?” (University of North Carolina)
“Memory: Is there a more fragile human faculty? Without it, what are we? It is the only record we have of who we were and what we want to become. Take it away and only a spiritless machine is left, free of conviction, free of purpose.” – Ilan Stavans (Amherst)


Examples of “Why Us” Questions

“What specific aspect of Barnard College would you be most excited to experience if admitted?” (Barnard College)
“If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke.” (Duke University)
“Please compose an essay about yourself that tells u how you will help the university to carry out its mission.” (University of San Francisco)
“On what kind of projects do you enjoy working? What kind of problem do you enjoy solving? What area of engineering interests you most?” (John Hopkins University)

Examples of “You” Questions

1. A Personal Statement

“Write an essay which conveys to the reader a sense of who you are.” (Columbia)
“Complete a one-page personal statement. You can use the personal statement to highlight special interests, talents, goals, or unique experience.” (James Madison U.)
“Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.” (Common application)
“Write an essay that gives a sense of you as an individual.” (Common application)

2. Defining Moment

“Describe an achievement, significant experience, or challenge that you feel has been important in strengthening your personal values.” (Bentley college)
“Recall an occasion when you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do.” (University of Pennsylvania)
“Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.” (Common application)