The college admissions process is often referred to as the black box of higher education. What really goes on inside the college admissions office? Do they really read all those essays? Yes, they do. If you write it, they will read it. But please, please, write it well, make it interesting, and maybe even try to have a little fun.

When brainstorming essay topics with students, I tell them to imagine that they are the Admissions Officer lugging home dozens of essays every night. Put yourself in their shoes, more likely their slippers, and write something that you would want to read and even pass around to someone else who might say – “Hey, this is an interesting student. Let’s take a longer look at what she’s done.”

You don’t need to create a laundry list of your accomplishments. Bragging is boring. There are other parts of the application that allow you to share your accomplishments. The essay is a place where you need to be authentic and set yourself apart.

A friend recently sent me an essay that her daughter had already submitted because she thought I’d enjoy it. It was probably the most spectacular college essay I’ve ever read. The student grabbed me with her title “Is It Hot in Here, or Is It Me?” and then again with her opening sentence, “I awaken at three in the morning to the sound of the vacuum cleaner.” I wanted to read more. The essay went on, hysterically at times, sharing details of her mother’s menopausal mishaps and how they impacted the family. This vignette was about a 3 am sweaty trip to Walmart to purchase batteries. It was craftily constructed with descriptive dialogue and tender moments between the writer, her sister, and her mother. I felt like I got to know her through her creative writing style, and I ended the essay wanting to get to know her better.

Now that was a successful essay. What did she do right?

• She told a story that only she could tell.
• She made herself and her family very likeable – Colleges see themselves as communities, and they want to create a rich and diverse place. They are not looking to fill each slot with brainiacs; they want the poets, the leaders, the athletes, etc. Remember, colleges are creating a well-rounded class of students with distinct talents.
• She avoided clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific examples.
• She shared what she wanted the college admissions officers to know about her, not what she thought they wanted to hear. Admissions officers already know how beautiful their campus is, how many exciting study abroad programs they offer, and they know all about their “exciting array of community service opportunities.” You don’t need to tell them, but that is what most students do.

The most memorable essays are usually about moments in time, anecdotes that demonstrate how you think and deal with situations.

Bierer is an independent educational consultant based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com