The Common App Essay is one of the most important parts of your US college admission application. It is one of the places where you can demonstrate your personality and talk about those things that the rest of the application do not highlight. It is the one thing that helps officers determine your individuality and what is really important to you. Our ebook will help you write the perfect essay and provide real examples of successful essays from students accepted to top universities like Stanford, UCLA, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, and UC Berkeley.
The Common App Essay (or Personal Statement) is a 650-word essay that’s part of the Common Application. You must complete this essay if you’re applying for college through the Common App.
Before you get started on your personal statement, consider the following:
The main focus of your college essay is the content. The format and structure should make the essay easy to read to maintain this focus.
A title to your college essay is generally not required and takes from your word count. It can also confine your essay to a single meaning, so if you decide to use titles, use them with care. Keep your font double-spaced with a line space between the paragraphs to keep the essay easy on the eyes.
When the word count is not given, staying around 600 words is a safe bet. While it’s important to share about yourself in your essay, oversharing could make you stand out from your competition — in the worst way possible!
If you are copying and pasting your essay into a text box, here are some necessary actions to take to ensure your essay will be received as intended.
When attaching a document, you’ll need to be more precise with your formatting, but here are a few rules of thumb to follow:
Top 3 "Why This School?" Essay Tips
Writing your personal essay for world-leading universities can be difficult. From deciding what to write, to figuring out how to write about it, the essay component of your college application can be filled with countless obstacles and challenges.
We’re here to help! Our eBook is your ultimate guide to crafting a standout college application essay. Discover expert tips from a Former Ivy League Admissions Officer, proven essay strategies, and real examples of successful essays from students accepted to top universities like Stanford, UCLA, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, and UC Berkeley.
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