If your answer is “Maybe … ?” because you’re not sure what qualifies as a challenge, it’s useful to think of challenges as being on a spectrum. I’ve seen many, many incredible essays-ones that got students into every school you’re hoping to get into-that had no central challenge. I mention this now because, in my experience, many students are under the impression that they have to write about challenges-that it’s either expected, or that it’s somehow better to do so. Have you faced significant challenges in your life?Įven if you’ve faced challenges, you do not have to write about them in your personal statement. Will this person contribute something of value to our campus?Īt the start of the essay process, I ask students two questions: The essay is a chance for the student to share who they are now and what they will bring to our campus communities.”īasically, college admission officers are looking for three takeaways in your college essay:
What’s its purpose? Jennifer Blask, Executive Director for International Admissions at the University of Rochester, puts it beautifully: “So much of the college application is a recounting of things past-past grades, old classes, activities the student has participated in over several years. The personal statement is likely to be 500-650 words long (so about a page) and many of the colleges you’re applying to will require it. But, of course, I’d say that-I’m the College Essay Guy. The part of your application you’re likely to spend the most time on. First, what is the college essay (i.e., the personal statement)?
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