How to Approach the Common App Essay Writing
Applying to college can be a daunting process, and one of the central components for many students is the Common Application. With over 900 colleges and universities accepting it, the Common App simplifies the college application process by allowing you to apply to multiple schools with one application. However, the question arises: should you take a deeper or wider approach to your application? Let’s explore both strategies to help you decide which is best for you.
The Deeper Approach
The deeper approach focuses on quality over quantity. Here’s how you can master this strategy:
- Select a Few Schools Thoughtfully: Instead of applying to a large number of colleges, choose a handful that truly align with your academic interests, career goals, and personal values. Research each school thoroughly and understand what makes them unique.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your application for each school. Write essays that reflect your understanding of the school’s culture and programs. Highlight how your goals and experiences make you a perfect fit.
- Showcase Your Strengths: Focus on a few key activities or achievements where you’ve excelled. Colleges appreciate depth and commitment, so demonstrate your passion and dedication through these experiences.
- Build Strong Relationships: Seek strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character in detail. Personal, insightful recommendations can make a significant impact.
- Polish Your Essays: Spend ample time refining your personal statement and supplemental essays. A well-crafted essay that tells a compelling story about you can set you apart from other applicants.
Sample Essay for “The Deeper Approach”
Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Growing up in a small town in rural Oregon, I often found myself gazing at the night sky, captivated by the stars’ silent yet profound presence. My fascination with the cosmos was not merely a passing interest but a deep-seated passion that shaped my academic pursuits and personal growth. This unwavering curiosity led me to explore the vast expanse of astrophysics, a field where I found my true calling.
My journey into the world of astrophysics began in middle school when I joined the Astronomy Club. It was here that I first peered through a telescope, marveling at the craters of the moon and the rings of Saturn. This initial spark ignited a relentless pursuit of knowledge, propelling me to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe.
High school offered more opportunities to cultivate my interest. I enrolled in advanced science courses, attended astronomy camps, and even participated in a summer research program at a local university. These experiences were not just about acquiring knowledge; they were about immersing myself in the scientific process, learning to ask the right questions, and developing the patience to seek answers.
One of my most transformative experiences was my participation in a research project on exoplanet detection. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lewis at Oregon State University, I spent a summer analyzing data from the Kepler Space Telescope. This hands-on experience was a revelation. It taught me the intricacies of data analysis, the importance of precision, and the thrill of discovery. The moment we identified a potential exoplanet orbiting a distant star was exhilarating, a testament to the power of persistence and curiosity.
My dedication to astrophysics extends beyond academics. I have taken an active role in my community, sharing my passion with younger students. I organized stargazing nights at our local park, where I set up telescopes and guided attendees through the constellations. These events were not just about observing the night sky; they were about inspiring others to look beyond the horizon, to dream, and to explore.
Astrophysics has also shaped my personal philosophy. The vastness of the universe and the complexity of celestial phenomena have instilled in me a sense of humility and wonder. They have taught me that while our place in the cosmos may be small, our capacity for understanding and exploration is boundless. This perspective has driven me to approach life with an open mind and a relentless drive to seek out new challenges and opportunities.
As I stand on the cusp of my college journey, I am eager to dive even deeper into the field of astrophysics. I am particularly drawn to Stanford University because of its renowned astrophysics program and its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research. The opportunity to work with leading experts, access cutting-edge facilities, and engage with a diverse and intellectually stimulating community excites me.
At Stanford, I hope to contribute my passion and drive to the academic community, while also continuing to inspire others to look to the stars. I am excited to embark on this journey, knowing that every discovery, no matter how small, brings us closer to understanding the universe and our place within it.
This essay reflects my dedication to a singular passion and demonstrates my commitment to pursuing it further. It highlights the depth of my engagement with astrophysics and my desire to contribute to both the academic community and society at large.
The Wider Approach
The wider approach is about casting a broad net and maximizing your options. Here’s how to effectively implement this strategy:
- Apply to a Broad Range of Schools: Include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools in your list. This increases your chances of acceptance and provides more options when decision time comes.
- Streamline Your Application Process: Use the Common App to its fullest potential by applying to multiple schools with one application. Be efficient in managing deadlines and requirements for each school.
- Highlight Versatility: Instead of focusing deeply on a few activities, showcase a wide range of interests and experiences. This demonstrates your versatility and ability to adapt to different environments.
- Prepare Multiple Essays: While it’s essential to customize essays for individual schools, having a few core essays that can be adapted to different prompts can save time and effort.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and submissions. Use a spreadsheet or application management tool to ensure you don’t miss any critical components of your applications.
Combining Both Approaches
While deeper and wider approaches have their distinct advantages, a hybrid strategy can also be effective. Here’s how to combine the best of both worlds:
- Create a Balanced College List: Identify a few top-choice schools where you can dive deep into your application, and a broader list where you apply more generally.
- Prioritize Your Efforts: Dedicate more time and resources to applications for your top-choice schools, ensuring they are as polished and tailored as possible. For other schools, maintain a high standard but avoid overextending yourself.
- Leverage Common Elements: Use core elements of your application, such as your personal statement and primary activities, across multiple applications. Customize supplemental essays to reflect the unique aspects of each school.
- Seek Feedback: Get input from teachers, counselors, or mentors on your applications to ensure they reflect both depth and breadth. This feedback can help you strike the right balance.
Sample Essay for “The Wider Approach”
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Growing up in a culturally diverse household, I was exposed to a myriad of beliefs and traditions. My mother, a devout Christian, and my father, a staunch atheist, often engaged in spirited debates about faith and reason. As a child, I absorbed both perspectives, creating a unique blend of curiosity and skepticism that defined my worldview. However, it wasn’t until high school that I truly began to question and challenge these deeply ingrained beliefs.
The turning point came during my sophomore year in a philosophy class. We were discussing the concept of moral relativism—the idea that morality is not absolute but varies between cultures and individuals. This notion intrigued me, clashing with the absolute moral truths I had been taught. It prompted me to embark on a journey of exploration, questioning not just religious beliefs but also societal norms and personal values.
I decided to take a wider approach to understanding these concepts by immersing myself in various activities and disciplines. I joined the Debate Club, where I learned to articulate my thoughts and consider multiple viewpoints. Engaging in debates about ethics, politics, and religion allowed me to refine my arguments and broaden my understanding of different ideologies.
Simultaneously, I volunteered at a local community center, working with refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds. Hearing their stories and witnessing their struggles firsthand opened my eyes to the complexities of moral and ethical judgments. It became clear that my preconceived notions were often simplistic and needed to be reevaluated in the context of real-world experiences.
In addition to these activities, I enrolled in courses that challenged my thinking, such as Ethics, World Religions, and Sociology. Each class offered new insights and perspectives, reinforcing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints. I also took part in cultural exchange programs, traveling to countries like Japan and India, where I immersed myself in different customs and belief systems. These experiences were transformative, highlighting the rich tapestry of human thought and the fluid nature of morality.
My broader approach to questioning beliefs culminated in a personal project—an online blog where I explored various philosophical and ethical dilemmas. Through writing and engaging with readers, I created a platform for open dialogue and reflection. This project not only honed my critical thinking skills but also connected me with individuals from around the world, further enriching my perspective.
The outcome of this journey was not a rejection of my upbringing but a nuanced understanding of the interplay between belief and reality. I realized that questioning and challenging beliefs is not about finding definitive answers but about embracing uncertainty and fostering empathy. It’s about recognizing the limitations of our perspectives and being open to growth and change.
As I prepare to enter college, I am excited to continue this wider exploration of ideas. I am particularly drawn to institutions that value interdisciplinary learning and diverse perspectives, such as the University of Chicago and its renowned Core Curriculum. The opportunity to engage with a vibrant academic community and explore a wide range of disciplines aligns perfectly with my intellectual curiosity and desire for growth.
In conclusion, my journey of questioning and challenging beliefs has been a transformative experience, shaping my identity and worldview. It has taught me the value of a broader approach to understanding the world, one that embraces diversity, fosters empathy, and encourages continuous learning. I look forward to bringing this mindset to college and beyond, contributing to a community that values depth and breadth of knowledge.
This essay reflects my commitment to exploring a wide range of ideas and experiences. It highlights my ability to engage with diverse perspectives and underscores the importance of questioning and challenging beliefs to foster personal and intellectual growth.
Final Thoughts
Approaching the Common Application essay requires careful planning and strategy. Whether you choose to go deeper, wider, or combine both approaches, the key is to present a cohesive and compelling narrative about who you are and what you bring to each college community. Remember, the goal is to find the best fit for your academic and personal growth, so choose the approach that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Good luck!