College Application Essay

The college application essay ranked as the fifth most important factor in college admissions decisions. It is the most significant of what counselors categorize as the "tip factors." Although secondary to the other major factors, these other facets of your application play decisive roles—especially at highly selective schools and in competitive admissions pools. While the essay is regarded as the most important of this group, other tip factors are your interview, counselor recommendations, and teacher recommendations.

In many cases, the essay is the element of your application that you have the most immediate control over. Grades and test scores require a concerted effort over time, but most essays can be improved drastically with a little structure and creativity. You can make up a lot of ground quickly in the admissions department's eyes if you tell an engaging story and tell it well. Use your essay as an opportunity to describe yourself in terms that won't come across in simple numbers.

After you've told your story, edit the essay thoroughly. Then edit it again. One simple typo or misused word can ruin all the hard work you've put in, so a little extra editing is worth your time.