Tip #1: Put yourself in the board’s shoes
When you have compiled all the pieces of your application and sent it to the university of your dreams, all of your hard work gets placed in a pile with hundreds of other applications. Then a small group of admissions officers will review each application, looking over the scores and coursework and reading the college application essays. Your essay should be something that catches their eye and has a recollection in their minds.
Tip #2: Determine your essay goals
Along with the three questions above, you should contemplate how you want the admissions officers to perceive you. After reading your college admissions essay, what should they think of your personality and activities?
Tip #3: Distinguish yourself from the other applicants
As an international student, you have the upper hand and can easily stand out from the local students. However, it is not enough to simply say, “I am not born and brought up here.” Instead, you must speak about your strengths and culture and your learnings.
Tip #3: Start early and write several drafts
Set it aside for a few days and read it again. Put yourself in the shoes of an admissions officer: Is the essay interesting? Do the ideas flow logically? Does it reveal something about the applicant?
Tip #4: Have at least one other person edit your essay
A teacher or college counsellor is your best resource. Before sending in your application, make sure to triple check it and avoid any grammatical errors.
Tip #5: Make it personal!
Anyone can write about how they won the trophy at their internship abroad. When talking about experience, describe what you learned from the experience and how it changed you.
