One of the requirements when applying to college is the college essay. The college essay is an important part of the application because it provides students with the opportunity to write about themselves to help admission officers get to know them better. It essentially reflects the student’s voice and offers a glimpse into their personality.
As you begin preparing for the college essay, deciding what to write may feel overwhelming. More specifically, choosing a personal experience that will best showcase what makes you, you. Admission officers are not looking for specific topics or experiences. Instead, we want students to share a story that authentically reflects their core values, character and personal growth. While you can write about any topic, the following overarching themes can help you narrow down an experience to highlight in your college essay.
Hobbies/Interests: It is likely that you have developed interests and hobbies throughout your time in high school. You may have several to choose from or may have one particular passion that has significantly influenced your aspirations. These include, but are not limited to, sports, performing arts, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, etc. If you have strong academic or professional interests, you can also choose to write about personal projects, research or programs you have participated in. When choosing to write about a hobby or interest, reflect on what excites you about it and how it has shaped your character and goals.
Community Roles: Meaningful roles and responsibilities within a community can also provide a strong essay by highlighting your maturity and leadership potential. Whether your role is in a school club, in a neighborhood organization, at church, or within your family as the oldest or youngest sibling, etc., writing about your leadership and the impact that you have made demonstrates your ability to work well with others. It also gives admission officers a picture of how you can contribute to and thrive within the community on campus.
Personal Challenges: If you have experienced personal challenges, you may choose to write about how you’ve grown and overcome them. You might share your experience navigating a health issue, adversity or any other hardship that you feel comfortable discussing. Be sure to reflect on why you are sharing this experience, how you have persevered and what you learned from it. Explaining how you have navigated any kind of personal challenge can demonstrate your resilience, adaptability and ability to overcome difficult situations.
The college essay is ultimately about helping admission officers learn more about you. Choose to write about an experience that is meaningful to you and one that you feel comfortable sharing. Most importantly, remember it’s your story and your voice!
Written By: Marlin Banuelos, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission