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The essay is one of the
most important parts of your application. It is your
opportunity to reveal the thoughtful side of yourself.
The essay is where your voice is heard most
clearly--where you can state something that only you can
write about.
People generally write
best when writing about topics that are of personal
interest or that have personal meaning. When you are
offered a choice of topics, decide for yourself what to
write about, based upon what is personally meaningful
and interesting to you. Be careful not to allow your
parents or others to determine the subject of your
essay. Take full advantage of any opportunity to choose
your own essay topic. Most colleges allow applicants a
great deal of flexibility as to the subject of the
essay.
The Personal Qualities
Admissions Officers Look For In Applicants
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Compromise - your ability to be flexible in
negotiating with others
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Concern for Others - either by devoting time to
social service activities, such as tutoring, or by
being considerate and empathetic to others' feelings
-
Confidence - in your ability to handle difficult
situations
-
Creativity - as reflected in the way your mind
works to solve problems, and/or a talent in the
arts, such as theater, music, writing, painting,
dancing, etc.
-
Diligence/Persistence - as demonstrated by your
ability to stay with a task until you complete it
-
Enthusiasm - as demonstrated by your eagerness
to engage in activities
-
Initiative - as in the ability to start a
project or take on a responsibility on your own
-
Insight - as reflected in your ability to use
introspection to understand aspects of yourself,
such as your preferences and your motivations
-
Intellectual Ability - to handle college-level
work
-
Intellectual Curiosity - about ideas, academic
subjects, people, trends, etc.
-
Leadership - as shown in your ability to inspire
others to work together to reach a mutual goal
-
Maturity - as demonstrated by being responsible
and trustworthy
-
Open-mindedness - to ideas, people, and
circumstances different from your own
-
Optimism - as reflected in your ability to find
positive aspects in seemingly negative situations
-
Organization - as in the ability to stay on top
of multiple tasks
-
Overcoming Adversity - as demonstrated by your
resourcefulness in dealing with serious problems,
such as divorce, death, illness, etc.
-
Risk-Taking - as shown in your ability to deal
with uncertainty to reach your goal
-
Sense of Humor - as in your ability either to
find humor in difficult situations or to make others
laugh
-
Seriousness of Purpose - to pursue a college
education
Sample Essays And
Comments
1.
Well Done Personal Essay
2.
Poorly Done Personal Essay
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