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The College Admission Essay
Unique to You and Your Journey
The college admission essay, a pivotal component of university applications worldwide, stands as a personal testament to a student’s past, present, and future. Whether it’s a 50 word essay for Columbia or a 900 word for Harvard and the 650-word limit for the Common Application in the U.S. or the individual prompts of the University of Oxford’s PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) course, the essay boils down to two fundamental questions: “Who am I?” and “Where am I headed?”
Who am I? Unearthing Identity Through Stories
Universities receive thousands of applications every year. Grades and standardized test scores can only communicate so much about a student’s potential. The essay, however, offers a snapshot of one’s character, experiences, and values.
Consider Johns Hopkins University‘s application, which often asks students to share a time when they’ve collaborated or interacted with people different from themselves. A student from Mumbai might write about working with Rohingya refugees, highlighting her empathy, adaptability, and leadership. Alternatively, a young man from Texas could discuss joining a dance troupe despite cultural stigmas, revealing his resilience and dedication to breaking stereotypes. Through such prompts, universities aren’t merely seeking facts but are delving into the essence of the applicant.
Where am I headed? Charting a Course for the Future
The essay is not just a reflection of the past; it is a blueprint for the future. Stanford University’s quintessential question, “What matters to you, and why?” pushes students to look ahead. A young woman could articulate her aspirations to combat climate change, influenced by the wildfires she witnessed in Australia. Her solution might involve combining sustainable technologies and local indigenous practices, demonstrating innovation and a global perspective.
The University of Cambridge often asks applicants to comment on a piece of work or a specific topic related to their chosen course. This isn’t merely a test of knowledge but an invitation to show direction and ambition. An applicant for Modern Languages might reflect on Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and express a desire to bridge cultural gaps through literature.
Emerging Markets and Regional Powerhouses
Answering the central questions isn’t enough. The ‘why’ builds a bridge between the two, while the ‘how’ provides actionable steps. When a student from New York writes for UCLA about his ambition to become a civil rights lawyer, he’s answering the “Where am I headed?” But when he delves into witnessing racial injustices in his community and how mentorship programs shaped his perspective, he’s addressing the ‘why’. Furthermore, by detailing his plans to leverage UCLA’s renowned Law program and its proximity to diverse communities, he’s clarifying the ‘how’.
