Why You Should Read Past Common Application Essays for College

 The Perks of Past Essays 

by Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

 You are now in the throes of writing your admissions  

essays: both the Common Application essay and  

supplemental essays. This could mean composing up to  

twenty essays in total! During this (sometimes) vexing time,  

you want to be equipped to write them with an “edge” and  

uniqueness. But, even so, do not discount the merit of reading  

sample essays from those successful applicants who have  

come before you.  

 With these complexities in mind and deadlines ahead,  

consider helping yourself by READING and STUDYING the 

patterns of those successful essays from the past and learning from them.  

 One of the most prolific essay writers ever, Sir Francis  Bacon, said, and it is paraphrased, that reading makes a person full, and writing makes a person EXACT. What does this mean? Reading precedes writing and solidifies the knowledge nabbed through reading. So, our monthly advice:  READ. Read sample past essays of all kinds including shorter samples to longer samples. From personal statements to  WHY essays to community essays to activity blurbs.  

 Your first course of action should be to speak with your editor or mentor. They will be able to dig up a sample, winning essays from REAL candidates. Another avenue is not merely to GOOGLE samples, but to make  certain that the websites are verifiable. For instance, we know  that Harvard’s Crimson will only display their best, authentic essays. You might also take note of the other qualifications  that students had when admitted to a school with only a 3%  acceptance rate. Oh wait! For this season it is 4.7%! The point  being, READING brings knowledge, it shows us patterns in  writing that can spark creativity in our own. READING can  show us the diction that is appropriate for the style we are  going for, it can demonstrate personal voice, and it can help you find the patterns in form, content, and beyond before writing our own. Essentially, you are collecting tools for your own writing!  

Finally, these tools include (but are not limited to):

1. Attention to Detail 

2. Clarity 

3. Strong Vocabulary 

4. Open to Changes 

5. Honoring the Miraculousness in the Ordinary  

by Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

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