Common Mistakes in Supplemental Essays for College Applications
Published on: by SupertutorTV
- Introduction
- Introduction to supplemental essays
- Mistake 1: Avoid repeating information from other essays
- Mistake 2: Don't just answer the question, tell a story
- Mistake 3: Explain why you are interested in a school or subject
- Mistake 4: Do not be afraid to write more and then cut it down
- Mistake 5: Avoid settling for boring answers, strive to be unique and interesting
- Highlights
- FAQ
- See Also
Introduction
Are you applying to college soon and wondering how to approach supplemental essays? In this video, I will go through five common mistakes I see students make when filling out their supplemental essays on college applications.
Introduction to supplemental essays
Supplemental essays are an essential part of the college application process, allowing students to showcase their personality, interests, and fit for a particular institution. These essays provide an opportunity for applicants to go beyond their academic achievements and reveal more about who they are as individuals. It is crucial for students to approach supplemental essays thoughtfully and strategically in order to stand out among a sea of applicants.
One common mistake that students make when writing supplemental essays is repeating information from other parts of their application. It is important to avoid redundancy and ensure that each essay provides new insights and perspectives about the applicant. Repetitive content can make essays appear unoriginal and uninspired, ultimately detracting from the overall impression that the applicant is trying to convey.
Another common mistake is failing to tell a compelling story in response to the essay prompt. Simply answering the question without adding depth, personal reflection, or narrative elements can result in a lackluster essay. The best supplemental essays not only address the prompt but also engage the reader, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. By incorporating storytelling techniques, students can create essays that are memorable, authentic, and persuasive.
AdmitGPT: Your Personal College Admissions AI Assistant
Get tailored college recommendations, essay feedback, interview prep, and more.
Try it nowMistake 1: Avoid repeating information from other essays
One of the biggest errors that students make in their supplemental essays is repeating information that is already present in their main application essay or personal statement. This repetition can make the essays seem redundant and unoriginal, diminishing the overall impact of the application. It is essential for applicants to ensure that each essay offers unique insights, experiences, or perspectives that showcase different facets of their personality and accomplishments.
To avoid this mistake, students should carefully review their main application essay and supplemental essay prompts to identify any overlapping content. By diversifying the topics, themes, and examples in their essays, applicants can create a more compelling and well-rounded application package. Additionally, students should consider crafting essays that focus on different aspects of their identity, interests, or experiences to provide a comprehensive picture of who they are as a candidate.
By steering clear of repetitive information and incorporating fresh perspectives in their supplemental essays, students can demonstrate their versatility, creativity, and depth as applicants. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who can offer unique contributions to their campus community, and avoiding this common mistake can help students differentiate themselves in a competitive applicant pool.
Mistake 2: Don't just answer the question, tell a story
Another critical mistake that students make in their supplemental essays is simply answering the essay prompt without telling a compelling story or providing personal insights. While it is important to address the prompt directly, students should also strive to engage the reader, evoke emotions, and convey their unique voice and perspective. By incorporating storytelling elements such as vivid details, anecdotes, and reflections, applicants can create essays that are more memorable, impactful, and authentic.
Instead of listing achievements or activities in a straightforward manner, students should use the supplemental essays as an opportunity to showcase their personality, values, and character traits. By sharing personal stories, experiences, or challenges, applicants can create a deeper connection with the admissions committee and stand out from other candidates. Effective storytelling can humanize the application process, allowing admissions officers to see the applicant beyond their academic credentials.
By avoiding the pitfall of simply answering the question and embracing the power of storytelling, students can elevate their supplemental essays from mundane responses to compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression. Crafting essays that resonate with the reader and reveal the applicant's unique journey, passions, or aspirations can significantly enhance the overall quality of the college application and increase the likelihood of admission to the desired institution.
Mistake 3: Explain why you are interested in a school or subject
One common mistake that students make when filling out supplemental essays is failing to explain why they are interested in a particular school or subject. It's not enough to simply state that you are passionate about a certain area without providing a deeper understanding of why. Without this explanation, the essay can come across as superficial and lacking in genuine interest. Admissions officers want to see that you have thought critically about your choices and can articulate the reasons behind them.
For example, if you mention that you love computer science in your essay, it's important to go beyond just stating your love for the subject. You should delve into why computer science appeals to you personally, whether it's the problem-solving aspect, the potential for impact, or any other specific reason. This level of detail and introspection can set your essay apart and demonstrate a strong connection to the topic at hand.
Similarly, when discussing your interest in a particular school, such as NYU or Stanford, it's essential to move beyond surface-level reasons like location or family ties. Admissions officers are looking for insightful reflections on why the school is the right fit for you academically, personally, and professionally. By explaining your motivations and values, you can create a more compelling and authentic narrative in your supplemental essays.
Mistake 4: Do not be afraid to write more and then cut it down
Another common mistake in writing supplemental essays is the fear of overwriting, leading students to underwrite instead. Students may feel constrained by word limits and end up providing shallow or uninspired responses. However, the key to crafting a strong essay is not to limit yourself prematurely but to write freely and then edit for clarity and conciseness.
By allowing yourself to write more than necessary, you give yourself the opportunity to explore different angles, incorporate engaging details, and develop a compelling narrative. Once you have captured all your thoughts on paper, you can then trim down the excess and refine your essay to focus on the most impactful elements. This process of editing and revision is crucial for crafting essays that are both thorough and concise.
Remember, admissions officers are looking for essays that showcase your unique voice, perspective, and experiences. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your writing by taking risks, experimenting with different styles, and ultimately finding the best way to express your ideas. Writing more allows you to discover the most effective ways to communicate your story and connect with your readers.
Mistake 5: Avoid settling for boring answers, strive to be unique and interesting
The final mistake to avoid when writing supplemental essays is settling for predictable or boring answers. In a competitive admissions process, it's essential to stand out from other applicants by offering fresh, engaging perspectives in your essays. Instead of repeating cliches or generic responses, challenge yourself to think creatively and present your ideas in a compelling and original way.
One effective strategy is to vary your writing style and approach across different essays. For instance, you might experiment with using poetry, informal language, or a scholarly tone to showcase different aspects of your personality and skills. By demonstrating versatility and creativity in your writing, you can capture the attention of admissions officers and leave a memorable impression.
Ultimately, the goal of your supplemental essays is to show admissions committees who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Embrace the opportunity to share your passions, values, and aspirations in a way that is uniquely you. By avoiding cookie-cutter responses and striving for authenticity and originality, you can increase your chances of making a lasting impact with your supplemental essays.
AdmitGPT: Your Personal College Admissions AI Assistant
Get tailored college recommendations, essay feedback, interview prep, and more.
Try it nowHighlights
- Do not repeat information from your main application essay in your supplemental essays as it can make your essays sound repetitive.
- Answer questions in a way that tells a story and allows your personal voice and creativity to shine.
- When explaining why you are interested in a school, go beyond just stating the reasons and provide deeper insights into your motivations.
- Write longer initially and then trim down the content to ensure you convey your message effectively.
- Avoid boring answers by adding variety and personality to your responses to make them stand out to the admissions committee.
FAQ
A: To avoid repeating information, diversify the content of your supplemental essays and consider writing about different aspects of your interests and experiences.
A: While answering the questions is important, it is also crucial to tell a compelling story and showcase your personality and creativity in your responses.
A: Explaining your reasons for being interested in a school helps the admissions committee understand your fit with the institution and your long-term goals.
A: To avoid boring answers, aim to add variety in your writing style, use creative approaches such as poems or different voices, and aim to entertain and engage the reader.
A: Yes, it is advisable to write longer initially to fully develop your thoughts and then edit down the content to maintain clarity and conciseness.
See Also
The 8 Worst College Majors for Future Earnings
The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid While Prepping for the ACT