This guide encompasses strategies for both the Common App Main Essay and offers valuable perspectives that can be applied to institution-specific supplemental essays. Consider this information as a helpful resource for your application process.

The essay-writing process often proves more complex than anticipated, causing many students to turn to consultants due to general uncertainties. Some consulting services, however, charge substantial fees for limited guidance without a solid educational foundation. Here at A-One Institute, we strive to support both parents and students through multiple avenues. With thorough preparation using our provided information, you can achieve success. Therefore, try not to stress excessively, and utilize the guidance I will present today.

The Common App Main Essay requires particular preparation strategies. While there are numerous prompts and potential topics available, they all fundamentally address a single question: "Who am I?" It's crucial to engage in deep self-reflection about your identity before beginning the writing process. When crafting an essay about your identity, two primary methodological approaches exist:

Inductive Reasoning

• Using specific events or stories to reveal your identity

Deductive Reasoning

• Beginning with a clear statement of your identity, followed by supporting events that demonstrate this self-definition

 

The selection of a writing approach is flexible, as students naturally express their narratives differently - there isn't a single correct method. The typical essay structure follows this pattern:

• Introduce a significant event or achievement
• Share your thoughts on how this experience shaped your self-understanding
• Explain its influence on your future direction

However, since students around age 20 often share comparable life experiences and generally present optimistic future outcomes, the distinguishing factor becomes how you express your self-understanding within your personal reflection (Cognition Attribution).

During your self-reflection process, elaborate on your self-perception and explain the foundations of these views. This is your opportunity to showcase your distinctive thinking (creativity) and personal character. One crucial recommendation before examining successful essay examples is to write a single sentence defining "Who I am."

While many Main Essay examples are accessible online, resist the urge to read them initially! Reviewing these essays before developing your own self-understanding might cause your thoughts to become fixated on those examples. This could lead to inadvertently imitating successful applicants' essays rather than authentically expressing your own identity, potentially diminishing the unique qualities of your personal narrative.

When writing, remember the M.S.E. principle:

• Motif (Theme): Introduce the theme.

• Specification: Elaborate on the theme.

• Example: Provide an example related to the theme.

Following this organizational approach strengthens your essay's central theme. Additionally, rather than presenting experiences purely factually, consider enhancing your storytelling with subtle embellishments to create a more engaging narrative. While the core events and their consequences may remain constant, the self-reflection process (Cognition Attribution) offers opportunities to display your originality and personal character.

The 2021-22 Common App prompts include:

1. Exploring fundamental identity through stories of personal background/interests
2. Discussing failure, its lessons, and its impact on future direction
3. Describing an experience that sparked curiosity or deep interest

A notable addition is: 4. Expressing moments of joy or gratitude from others (This new positive-focused prompt enables a more optimistic essay tone) 5. Describing transformative experiences or moments of enhanced understanding of others 6. Discussing a deeply engaging interest 7. Open-ended topic choice

While some peers and consultants advise against selecting prompts 6 and 7, claiming they require exceptional creativity compared to others, we believe no prompt should be avoided. When students identify a meaningful event or story that resonates with them among these options, it naturally leads to a compelling essay. Topic selection alone doesn't determine acceptance likelihood, so don't restrict your creative thinking.

The most vital element in essay writing is COHERENCE.

Remember, your essay is one component of your complete college application. Maintaining consistency throughout all application elements is essential. For example, if your application emphasizes involvement in group activities but your essay portrays solitary experiences, it may create inconsistency. Ensure your essay aligns with other Common App components.

Previously successful introduction styles may have lost their uniqueness through overuse. Given universities' limited application review time, strong openings remain crucial. Many essays now incorporate quotes, dialogues, or famous sayings. However, commonly used creative approaches may no longer stand out. Due to emphasis on dramatic introductions, authentic writing styles are diminishing. A simple, natural opening that generates reader interest suffices. Avoid fixating on creating overly dramatic introductions.

Plan your conclusion while drafting. Students often neglect proper conclusions, sometimes adding hasty single-line endings due to word limits. Consider your conclusion early and structure your essay accordingly.

Authentic writing creates the strongest impact. Genuine expression requires time and dedication. To achieve authenticity, regularly reflect on your chosen experience or story and your identity. Share your written strengths and weaknesses with family or close friends. Maintain an active writing process throughout essay development.

Best wishes for your college admissions process.