Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Featuring Pat Armstrong, director of admissions at St. John's University (Queens, NY)

Q. I have no idea what to write for my College application essays and I have to do five of them. Is it okay to write one and use it for a few schools, or do they expect the essays to be specifically for them? Also, for free response essays, what are some topics to avoid? I'm not sure how to get started.

A. You are not alone in puzzling over the College Application essay. Students frequently want to know why they need to write an essay and, if no topic is given, what to write about.

Let's start with the first part of your question regarding multiple applications and the need for multiple essays. Some colleges provide a limited choice of topics which may mean you'll have to write an individual essay for each application. If there is no specific choice of topics and you have the opportunity of writing on a topic of your own choice -- in other words, a free response -- you can write one essay and submit it to multiple schools.Colleges are not concerned that you are not writing specifically for them. Rather, they are looking at the quality of your essay overall.


Students often worry what they should write about, however, there is no right or wrong response in an essay. Admissions professionals are looking for information about the candidates who set themselves apart from the crowd. Think of the essay as a golden opportunity for you to highlight your distinct personality.

The college application essay should be clear, concise, and well-organized. The format should be neat and easy to read and, unless otherwise specified, essays should be typed. When you are satisfied with your essay, ask someone to proofread it for you. You can rest assured your essay will be read, so you want to put forth your best effort.

Q. I'll soon be on my way to visit some of my choice colleges. I really want to make the most of my time there. What should I ask, and what do I do to get the most information so I can make a good decision?

A. Your  

campus visit

  should include a guided tour of the campus and an interview or group information session with admissions staff. An on-campus overnight stay is frequently offered by residence colleges and is a wonderful way to get a feel for the campus environment and the scoop from current students. You may also want to request appointments with Financial aid advisors, athletic coaches, and/or faculty.

While the guided tour provides an excellent overview of the campus, you need to do some looking around of your own. Use this list to ensure an in-depth look at whatever school you're touring.

• Inspect the library and its facilities for quiet study and comfortable working areas.
• Check out the athletic and fitness facilities. Is the equipment up-to-date? Are the facilities overcrowded?
• Take a taste of the food. Eat in the Cafeteria and find out how the food really is. Remember that it might not measure up to home cookig, but it can still be good with a wide variety of offerings.
• Ask the staff in the admissions office for a listing of classes and sit in on one that sounds interesting. What about class size? Is there interaction between faculty and students?
• Walk around the student union. Are students generally friendly? What are the facilities like? Are there listings of student activities that interest you?
• Make sure you check out the freshman dorms (that is, if your guided tour doesn't cover them).
• Get a copy of the student newspaper before you leave campus. What are the students talking about?

Remember to jot down a few notes about each visit. You'll be surprised how they'll all blend together in just a short time.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments