Introduction to the College Application Essay

to overcome these obstacles. What they're looking for: It’s fine if you haven’t had some awful, incredibly difficult obstacle in your life. Think of a time when you faced a problem that challenged you, and you put in a lot of effort to solve it. Your obstacle could be related to your home life, school, or an extracurricular activity. In your response, explain how the obstacle challenged you and emphasize what exactly you did to overcome it. How to prepare: Think of a significant challenge you've had in your life and how you dealt with it. What did you learn from the problem? How did you solve it? Did it change or influence the way you address similar problems?

14. What Makes You Unique?

Why they're asking this: This question is essentially what all the other questions above are meant to determine. It's another general question that's often difficult to answer. We are all unique, but it can be hard to put into words exactly what separates you from other people. What they're looking for: Schools ask this question because they want to get to know you better. You can discuss a trait or multiple traits you possess. Give examples and stories that demonstrate these qualities. Do you have any uncommon interests or goals? Is your background very unique? How to prepare: Do some serious brainstorming to address this question. Write out specific attributes and anecdotes you can share that demonstrate your uniqueness. When do you feel most comfortable? What makes you the proudest?

Completing the College Application

Application File completion

a. Application – School, Common App, Coalition – STUDENT sends b. Transcript – COLLEGE COUNSELOR sends c. Recommendations – COLLEGE COUNSELOR sends d. Test Scores – SAT, ACT, - STUDENT sends e. Interviews – If available, STUDENT sets up

*The student is responsible to make sure the application file is complete (students can check this by reviewing the student portal they’ll access on a college’s website. Information on accessing this portal is typically sent to a student once a college receives his application).

College Application Guidelines

There are several college applications platforms you can use to apply to colleges. Each college will specify which application platform they accept. The most common college application platforms are:  Common Application – www.commonapp.org  Coalition Application – www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org  The Common Black College Application – www.commonblackcollegeapp.com Read instructions carefully! PRO TIP

 Be sure essays answer the question or prompt and are revealing about you. Proofread  Never abbreviate, except where you must for space limitations or Everything! When formal state abbreviations. a college sees  Language Proficiency: In this case, proficiency is most equated typos, it can be with fluency. Colleges will see that you study Spanish (or any other interpreted as the foreign language) when they evaluate your transcript. This section is student not taking really just intended for students who are fluent in a second or third language. the application  Fee Waivers: If you were offered a test fee waiver (SAT or ACT), you are process seriously. eligible for an application fee waiver.  Family Information: You will need employer info and college info for your parents and siblings, if applicable.  Testing: Only indicate the tests that you will send. If you took both ACT and SAT, indicate the test with the better result.  Activities: Only indicate those that you have attended with some regularity.

Indicate your role.

Introduction to the College Application Essay