The CHIEF January 2021

College Essay Advice By Joe Gilmor

Second semester is an especially important time of year for our seniors as many race to complete their college essays before the deadline. That is why we at The Chief would like to share with our readers a few strategies to make your college essays stand out to your admissions officers. First, make sure to have a plan in mind before you start writing. While you likely don’t need a formal outline, doing a bit of planning beforehand will allow to focus on building a concise, cohesive essay, which is critical when working with a limited word count. Next, do your research. Before you start writing for a school, you should have a pretty solid understanding of what makes that school unique. Is their honor code especially important on campus? What traditions do students follow? Do different class levels share dorm rooms? Knowing your school inside and out will give you more material to write about, and working in small details throughout your essay will show the admissions office that you have a genuine interest. Finally, find what makes you unique. Most colleges follow a holistic review process, which means that your GPA and standardized test scores may not be enough to ensure admission. That is why you should take full advantage of anything that allows you to stand out from similar students. Extracurriculars can go a long way in this regard, but don’t stop there. Has a parent’s medical condition forced you to take on additional responsibilities at home? Has balancing a job and several AP classes taught you how to manage your time effectively? Do you collect Star Wars memorabilia? Use it! College admissions officers want to know what makes you unique, so whatever you do, don’t hold back!

We at The Chief hope that these guidelines will help you find the school that’s right for you as we go on into our second semester.