The (harder) part of the Common Application

Continued from the previous post:

Now we will discuss the part of the application that has no right answers: here you can really show yourself to the committee.

Part IV: "Short answer" and "Personal Essay"
The first bit isn't too intimidating. Pick something that meant a lot to you and describe why it meant so much.

The "Personal Essay" - oh no, I can hear your heart beating faster. "250 words minimum" (usually 400-700 is a good range). Yes, it's a major piece of work, but the college people aren't expecting literature. Here is actually an opportunity to describe yourself in a way that would be impossible to see otherwise in the application. Do you have a special talent? An experience that had a profound effect on your character? A teacher who taught you new perspectives to view the world? All of these are possible topics. There are six options and the last choice, "topic of your choice", makes this section as open-ended as it could get.

What the essay is not: the essay should NOT be a highlight of your achievements, because that was written on the activities/honors chart. It is NOT necessarily a 5-paragraph essay with intro, conclusion, and three body paragraphs. That was for middle school students to be able to structure their thoughts. In fact, the best essays often dive right into the narrative. The writing should NOT be over-formal or wordy; saying "the perplexity of all the intricate wonders in the exhilarating field of biology corroborates my tenacious interest in the science of organisms and their physiology" is far too presumptous and would be better written as "I enjoy the complexity biology has to offer".

Part V: "Disciplinary History", "Additional Information", "Signature"
I probably only have to describe the middle form. If you have taken any college courses, have had any impacting family situations, speak several other languages, moved extensively in a way that academics were altered, have a disability, or have experienced any abnormal events that had an effect on your life, they should go here. It is important that you take the time to elaborate on these additional facts, if applicable. To the admissions people, it may also clear up some other parts of an application, such as lower grades for a period of time.

Part VI: "Teacher Evaluation", "Secondary School Report", "Midyear Report", "Final report"
Teacher and counselor recommendations form the bulk of this part. The teachers you pick evaluate your character, grades, and class behavior here, through a form and a letter. You just have to trust that the recommenders do their job. If you've been a good person and an active class participant, this will definitely not hurt you. However, if you have shown superior traits in any area, they will glow; you may want to emphasize these characteristics when you give the recommendation to your teachers. The mid-year and final reports are mysterious entities that are almost identical to the secondary school report. I am not entirely clear on their use but I would guess that they track your performance throughout the school year, just to make sure that the "senioritis" isn't kicking in too far. Trust me, I have heard of students who were dropped from their accpetance because of poor performance senior year. Not the way to end your high school years.

Part VII: Extracurricular supplements
The Arts supplement are for those who really have the talent. Don't send a portfolio or CD if you're not that good. Be honest. Would you be confident presenting your skills in a competition? If not, then forget about it. Some of these applicants are REALLY GOOD at what they do, and you don't want to be judged against them if you're mediocre. Most people should not be sending anything for this section.

With Athletic supplements, I would go and contact the coach directly. Unless you are pretty sure about Varsity-level training, don't bother with this. It is never good ethically to be admitted for your athletic strength and then decide not to pursue the activity that helped your chances.

Part VIII: College-specific supplements
Some more selective colleges have another form that you have to fill out. Usually they include additional essays, stating your academic interests, and family involvement in the university.

End of tour! It is truly an ardous process that will exhaust any senior. For those who are going to send more than 12 applications, let me wish you best of luck. Be prepared to write at least 20 essays or short answer responses. And, get a lot of stamps ready.

In any case, if you are a senior, enjoy writing, and good luck! If you are younger, then I hope you found this helpful for future reference. If you have graduated already, then maybe you can show this to your children. You may have been amazed at how much this application has evolved over the years - it reflects the ever-increasing competitiveness over the nation's universities.