Many college applications will ask you some version of, “Why do you want to attend this college?” At first, it can feel straightforward, but students often find it’s one of the hardest questions to answer well. 

Admissions counselors aren’t looking for perfect answers or praise about the institution. They’re looking for thoughtful, specific reasons that show you’ve taken time to understand the college. 

Admissions counselors understand that this is new territory. The goal isn’t to ignore AI—or assume misuse—but to help students approach the college essay with honesty, integrity, and confidence.

So you’ve finished the first draft of your college essay (often called “the personal statement”)? Congratulations!  This is an important milestone in your college process.

BUT, did you notice the phrase, “first draft?”

Consejos para ensayos universitarios de consejeros de admisiones

Consejos para ensayos universitarios de consejeros de admisiones

For many students, writing the college essay can feel like the most intimidating part of the application process. As you look ahead to starting yours, keep these great words of advice in mind from admissions counselors at Bucknell University. These tips can help take the pressure off and keep you focused on what matters as you share your story.

When it comes to answering your college essay questions, you might feel unsure of how to begin. That’s OK! Nearly every high school student gets stuck when it comes to writing their essay. So, how do you get unstuck?

People often ask me about the value of the application essay. “You don’t actually read all of them, do you?” I assure you, at my university and in admissions offices across the country, we do.

I can tell a lot about a person from his or her application essay; it’s the most current snapshot of who you are as a person. Think about it: Most of the items you submit to the colleges or universities you’re applying to showcase talents that you have developed over a long period of time. Your high school transcript contains at least three years of grades, showing evidence of hard work in a variety of subjects. Your clubs, organizations, sports, community service, and other accomplishments reflect years of participation and dedication to fields outside the classroom. Even your good old SAT or ACT scores reflect the accumulation of vocabulary, mathematics, and reading comprehension talents acquired throughout your life. The essay, however, is who you are right now. So, why not get started . . . right now?

We know that writing your essays can seem especially daunting when applying to college. But the essays are a great opportunity to add depth to something that is important to you and address a topic you’re not able to cover elsewhere in your application.

The essays reveal how you learn, what you value, or how you approach challenges, which helps the admissions committee imagine how you might approach the living and learning environment at their school.