Those Darn Supplemental Essays

Wooster College

So you wanna go to a small liberal arts school?  Good job.  There are some great schools that just don't get enough attention these days with the huge state schools stealing most of the spotlight.  But the programs at some of these schools (my personal favorite is St. John's College in New Mexico) are all about deepening our thinking and enriching our experience, primarily through the humanities.

So what about those supplemental essays?  They may appear annoying, just one more thing to do.  But these schools need to know that you've taken the time and energy to research them.  That you would be a good fit.

1. HONESTY: Your primary resource in these essays is going to be your honesty -- when you're honest about what you want to study, your passion will definitely show.
2. NERDY: While in high school it's kinda tough to let this habit show, but in college it's awesome to be a nerd for something you love.  Whether it's chemistry, politics, insects, it doesn't matter.  Show that you're ga-ga for something academic. Also don't be afraid to get "out of the box."  Originality and cleverness are always appreciated by bored readers.
3. SINCERITY: Without it, your paper will be obviously hollow or self-seeking.  Wanting to go to a college because you want a prestigious name on your resume is not the best method for convincing and admissions officer.
4. ACCURACY: Make sure you know what you're talking about.  Don't say you really want to attend William and Mary because Thomas Jefferson founded.  Not only do you look like an idiot, but you're not getting in (Thomas Jefferson founded University of Virginia).
5. TOPIC: Make sure you answer the question too.  If you're applying to Univ. of San Francisco and you're asked how you are prepared for service, make sure you have a clear set of examples that will illustrate that.  Don't answer a different question just because the one on the app. is awkward or hard to answer.

And as always, be specific, show not tell, be passionate, and be concise.  You only get a few words so make them count!