A Common App essay is a primary writing sample that you will be submitting to colleges that accept the common application for their admission process. Some colleges may also ask for supplementary essays, but the Common App essay holds the maximum importance when it comes to your selection process.
All your prospective colleges will have a thorough read of your essay to get a better understanding of your background, culture and personality, and the ways in which choosing you can add to the diversity of their institution. It gives the selection committee a quick glance into the other side of your life, different from your curricular achievements and academic score cards.
Since most colleges that you apply to face applicants with similar academic records, it is standing out through your essay that can prove to be a deciding factor in getting into your dream university. Studies suggest that the Common App essay comprises of approximately 25% of the total weight of your application.
One of the most crucial steps in writing that winning essay is selecting the right prompt to do justice to your story. You are expected to choose one out of the seven prompts available and expand your application around that. It is essential to pick a prompt that speaks the closest to your truth and reflects your interests and that you can connect to your unique, personal story. This is your chance to enlist your personal accomplishments, insight and motivation related to your study area of interest.
Another obstacle encountered by students while drafting their essays is fitting everything within the word limit. Most universities have a specified word count ranging from 250-650 words. It then becomes necessary to eliminate unrelated details that can potentially divert the reader from the crux of your story. And in case you fall short of fulfilling the word limit, you can elaborate on related, interesting personal events that add value to the underlying message.
A Common App essay is not your resume; here you possess the liberty to add a tinge of informal touch and mention vivid experiences shaping your personality.
It is also extremely crucial to set proper deadlines and divide your work into smaller blocks to avoid last minute panic. Adequate time needs to be allotted to revising the finished draft to ensure elimination of avoidable mistakes like common grammar and punctuation errors. Getting feedback from friends and family is of great help and one can also reach out to essay coaches available online that could proofread and rectify the essay within hours.
Coaches at Golden Draft can help you elevate your draft and transform it into the essay that reserves your spot in the University of your dreams.
To know more about the Common App prompts and how to select the right one for you, check out our blogs on studying abroad and writing impeccable SOPs and essays; and follow Golden Draft ( @golden_draft ) on instagram for more updates.
