College Essay Tips by Ethan

Introduction

• Ethan has spent 10-12 years focusing on college essays.
• He shares useful tips and two exercises to help students.

Key Tips for Writing College Essays

1. Common App Prompt Selection

• Don't obsess over which Common App prompt to choose.
• Admissions readers care more about:
  • Your writing skills.
  • Your potential contributions to their campus.
• Recommended prompt: "Describe the world you come from and how it has shaped your dreams and aspirations."
• Avoid the mindset of trying to guess what the admissions committee wants.

2. Be Vulnerable

• Aim to reveal aspects of yourself that deepen the reader's connection.
• Vulnerability can manifest in various ways:
  • Sharing mistakes or stigmatized family details.
  • Highlighting conflicts within yourself (e.g., craving stability vs. spontaneity).
  • Showing passion for a specific interest (e.g., applied math, chess).

3. Illuminate Insight

• Use "so what" moments to show personal qualities.
• Example: Taking apart things in the garage demonstrates attention to detail and creativity.
• Achieve a balance between storytelling and critical thinking.

4. Engage the Reader's Imagination

• Use all five senses to create vivid imagery.
• Example: Describing a family scene with specific details (fireplace, hot cocoa, rain).

5. End with Surprising Yet Inevitable Conclusions

• The ending should be unexpected yet logical.
• Avoid stating your future plans outright at the beginning.
• Example: A student expresses curiosity and love for helping others and surprises the reader by wanting to become a dentist instead of an engineer.

Pre-Work for Applications

• Pre-work should feel like genuine engagement with the application process.

Recommended Exercises

1. Essence Objects Exercise

• Duration: 12 minutes.
• Create a "menu" of essence objects representing memories, relationships, or qualities.
• Example: A friendship bracelet represents connection with the wife.

2. Values Exercise

• Choose your top 10 values in 3-4 minutes.
• Provide examples of how each value manifests in your life.
• Understanding personal values can be empowering for the future.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to like and subscribe for more content.
• Links to additional resources for personal statements provided.