How much does essay writing contribute to the admission process in an American college?

Once a school has determined that a student has the capacity to handle the rigour of their academic curriculum—the essays (along with teacher recommendations, the list of student activities and interviews) become the basis upon which admission is given.

What are the major problems that students face when writing essays for college admissions?

Most students do not put enough time and effort into this vital piece of the admission process. Furthermore, students tend to write a hodgepodge of general information about themselves that is available in other parts of the application and this does not provide any new insight into their personality. Many times, students from South Asia focus on writing about someone else—a parent or family member, who they look up to, and such essays can go horribly wrong because the admissions office is more interested in the applicant and what his/her potential is—i.e., who is this student going to become?

What is the most important piece of advice that you give your students regarding essay writing?

“Show me. Don't tell me.” I have given many workshops on essay writing and if I had to summarise everything down to one phrase, then it would be this. Be specific, concrete and give examples. The admissions officer is interested in reading a story—a story of your life, yourself and how experience(s) have shaped you into the person you are today. It does not have to be something grand. What they want to know is how reflective are you, has your life shaped you into someone who will add to our collective future. Socrates said that “unexamined life is not worth living.” Basically the admissions essay is about showing that you know yourself.

Is there any particular difference between writing essays for graduate and undergraduate courses, or, for that matter, between science and arts courses?

Essays written by high school students are all about promise—promise that can go in many different directions. For the US, high school students do not need to pin down their future plans to a specific concentration. Essays written for graduate school have to show a detailed analysis and understanding of the research objectives/and programme of study that a student is now planning to embark upon, and how this next degree will contribute to their professional life.

The only difference among the sciences and humanities would be that if you are applying for a specific kind of programme, then your writing should reflect both your understanding and passion for the subject.

When writing essays, should students keep the college they plan to apply to in mind? Should students work according to college psyche?

Absolutely. Each college has something they are looking for—that spark for leadership, innovation, maturity—and many times that special joie de vivre. Show them that special spark in you.

—Sa'adia Reza