Common Application: 5 Good College Essay Topics

good college essay topics | best college essay topics | Compass College Advisors

In our recent post, we listed a few good common essay topics on college applications. We’ll tackle each question to provide you with insights on how best to respond. Here’s a few common app essay questions that can give some students a place to start:

1. Write About a Book You’ve Read

If you’re a student who doesn’t “like reading” or doesn’t “have time to read outside of class,” it’s imperative to plan ahead for this question. I advise my students to read a book during breaks or over the summer before senior year.

Get a recommendation from a close friend or local librarian. Many librarians publish a list of popular teen books. Once you’ve chosen a book, ensure it’s at an appropriate grade level and that you finish it.

Remember, the essay response should not be a book report. College application essays come from the heart, so this is a great opportunity to move away from the five-paragraph essay model. The emphasis should be on YOU!

Focus on how the book impacted you. Here are two ways to do that:

  1. Detail how this particular book changed your thinking on a topic or challenged a belief.
  2. Explain what this book meant to you.

Focusing on these aspects keeps the emphasis on YOU.

2. Who Is Someone You Admire?

A Common App essay prompt, a similar question is worded as, “Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.” Even if your college application simply asks, “Who is someone you admire?” go further into detail by describing that influence on your identity, interest or talent.

It should only take you about 5-10 words to tell who you admire. Then, the other 150+ words should show why you admire that person. Avoid the low-hanging fruit like historical figures or your parents, and instead, dig deeper.

Consider these questions:

  • What is a meaningful experience I can describe well?
  • What happened in that meaningful experience?
  • Who was there with me?
  • What characteristic of a specific person was most memorable?

These responses will help you write a strong essay that stands out.

3. Why Do You Want to Attend This College?

The third most common question is best answered after a formal campus visit. Schedule a visit through the admissions office and participate in a tour or informational session. Driving by the campus or hanging out with a high school friend who attends does not count!

When responding to this question, here are some quick tips:

  • Gather your notes from your campus visit and review them.
  • Think about the features of the campus that stood out the most.
  • Consider what qualities about yourself match those features.
  • Keep the college features very specific to that college.

These tips will help you communicate effectively to admissions readers, allowing them to picture you at their institution.

4. Tell Me About a Meaningful Activity for You

This question can be challenging because it’s easy to fall into clichés. The key is to think about what makes you unique. Start by free-writing your initial response for about 10 minutes. Ignore grammar and just write.

Does your response sound like you or every other applicant? Avoid common leadership roles and think about what activity uniquely represents you. Once you state the activity in about 25 words or less, the remainder of your essay should focus on why it is meaningful to you.

5. What Do You Want to Do 10 Years from Now?

The emphasis here is on “you.” Be creative and reflect your uniqueness. You don’t have to link the college with your future career.

Avoid being too “over-the-top” or silly. Write a thoughtful response that shows your interests, focusing on being imaginative and honest.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. We will respond with feedback to help you and other visitors to our site. So, what do you want to do 10 years from now?

For further reading and examples of more of the best college essay topics, check out these links:

Why the College of William & Mary is known as a “Public Ivy”

college of william and mary public ivy

William & Mary is the second oldest college in the country with a long history of liberal arts education and a growing research and science program. Undergrads at William & Mary have numerous research opportunities. A student majoring in government described William & Mary with these three words,  “Tradition. Community. Unique.” For those prospective students seeking this type of college environment, William & Mary has a lot to offer. Although the academic climate is rigorous, students say that cooperation among peers is the norm.

Here are a few quick facts about College of William and Mary:william and mary has active social life

Acceptance: 36%

Freshmen from out of state: 31% (keep in mind . . . it’s a public college, not private)

Most popular majors: biology, government, economics

Housing: Guaranteed housing through junior year

4-year Graduation rate: 84%

Academics: The College of William & Mary is dedicated to a philosophy of personalized education as shown through small class size and extensive student-faculty collaboration. “Classes are difficult and the workload is heavy, but lectures are small and generally engaging,” says one junior. Their joint degree program allows students to spend two years in Williamsburg and two in St Andrews in Scotland and end up with degrees from both institutions.  In addition, 70% of students participate in faculty-mentored research and William & Mary boasts some of the highest numbers for alums with PhDs in STEM.

william and mary for premedSocial:  There’s always something to do on campus, but the town itself can be somewhat “hit or miss”. Popular campus events include Homecoming Weekend, with its tailgate and concert. In their senior year, students can apply to live in a downtown dorm where they put on academic programming for the town. With over 400 clubs and organizations, a student would be hard-pressed not to find something to join!

Financial: College of William and Mary offers university grants and need-based financial aid, with 78% of need is fully met.

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

 

Get the Best Teacher Recommendation Letters for College

How to Ask for a Teacher Recommendation Letter | Compass College Advisory

One of the qualities that every junior should develop is networking/building relationships with peers and adults. Teachers are important adults both inside and outside the classroom. Junior year is an important time for students to continue developing relationships with teachers. Teacher relationships are important because it is highly likely that the teachers from junior year will be writing recommendation letters for college. Understanding how to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation is a crucial part of this process.

How to Ask for a Teacher Recommendation Letter

Here are my top 3 tips for how juniors can build good relationship with their teachers:

  1. Meet after school to ask questions and discuss lessons from class. These meetings should be sincere in that students are making an effort to meet with those teachers that they want to get to know or have an interest in their subject area.
  2. Review graded exams or assignments with teachers. This extra action will help not only with building a relationship with you teachers but also help with learning the content better. I especially encourage students who may need extra help with written assignments to meet with the teacher afterwards to understand how to improve their writing.
  3. Request a recommendation for summer program. Applying to a summer program is a low risk way to find out if a teacher can write a strong letter of recommendation for a student. In the past, I have actually had students request a recommendation for a summer program and they were denied acceptance because the teacher didn’t submit the recommendation letter. That was a good lesson for the college applications. The student learned that they should perhaps allow more lead time and/or ask a different teacher!

The wonderful thing about high school teacher relationships is that they often last for years. It’s common for students to go away to college but still return to visit their high school teachers during breaks. I recently had dinner with a high school chemistry teacher and was impressed that two former students stopped by our table to say hello and thanks. The teacher remarked that many former students even from her earliest years of teaching still stay in touch.

Even when meeting after school with a teacher may seem like an extra assignment, it will begin a lifelong relationship.

What other steps can students take to build relationships with teachers?

How to avoid overpaying for college

overpaying

If you are the parent of a college-bound teen and your family is likely to not qualify for financial aid, then there are three lessons from this most recent admissions cycle that you must know. Applying these lessons while your teen is in high school can help you avoid overpaying for college. I will give you a brief background on this current class of seniors so that you understand better how to apply these three important lessons.

What happened this year in college admissions

This recent class of seniors that I worked with started on their applications by August at the latest. The average number of applications was 8, which is similar to the national average.  A selection of colleges where my current class of students applied included:

Dartmouth

Furman

Georgetown

Harvard

High Point

Howard

Loyola of Chicago

Northeastern

Pomona

Seattle Pacific

Spelman

The Ohio State University

UC Berkeley

University of Michigan

Villanova

My individual meetings with students occurred every 1-2 weeks, based on their application deadlines. Over a six- month period, we met about 20 times. Just as a “back of the envelope” estimate and based on my conversations with students, each senior spent about 100+ hours working on college applications!

Many of these hours occurred earlier in the fall as 80% of my seniors submitted one or two applications by an early deadline. I encourage students to consider applying Early Action (EA) to a couple colleges, which means that they will typically get an admissions decision by December. Given that there are plenty of colleges with January deadlines, if students learn a deferred or denied decision in December, then they still have time to submit additional applications. Furthermore, with EA applications, students have time to compare financial awards and weigh their college decision.

This year a few client families chose an Early Decision deadline. This option means that if the student is admitted then they must attend the college regardless of any financial aid. Therefore, if the parents do not qualify for financial aid, then the parents could be paying the full cost of attendance, i.e. $65,000+ per year for college.

What to expect next year in college admissions

If you want to pay considerably less for college and position your teen to qualify for merit scholarships then here are three key lessons:

Lesson 1: Campus visits matter

A campus visit signals to a college that your teen is interested in attending. Oftentimes, parents may not want to invest the time and money for a campus visit. However, investing $200-$500 to visit a college can have a return of $10,000+ in scholarships.  Colleges want to invest their scholarship dollars in admitting students that a) will enroll in that college and b) will contribute to the quality of life on campus.

Your teen may want to apply to a college because of their chances of being admitted. That’s all well and good but as a parent who doesn’t want to overpay for college, you also want a financial award to come with that admission letter. Investing in the campus visit can help your teen both get in and get money for college.

A campus visit was the most important factor in helping students write a compelling essay, which leads to the second lesson.

Lesson 2: Essays matter

Your teen will have essays to write for their college application and often for scholarships. A common question on many college applications is “Why this College?” Certainly, if your teen has not visited the campus, then it can be a challenge to respond to this prompt. Two of my students in this senior class were not able to do a campus visit due to athletic obligations. Their essays relied extensively on website research and these students spent considerable time working through the essays. Although the admissions decisions are not out yet for the current senior class, in the past when a student applied without a campus visit, she was admitted to the college. However, the college offered $0 in scholarships or aid. The signal from that college was “we’ll admit you but we’re not investing in you”.

In the essays that students write for college applications, the message they are conveying is “Why admit me”. It’s not always about how “good” of a writer your teen is, but how well your teen can communicate how they will contribute to campus life. That’s not always easy for a teen to communicate, but there are thousands of teens who do so every year. . . . which brings me to the third lesson.

Lesson 3: Competition is strong

Last year saw a 7% increase in the number of college freshman applications. Additionally, colleges are ramping up recruitment through social media and more ways to apply so, in turn, the volume of applications is expected to increase again. Current juniors should therefore expect that the competition for certain colleges will be stiff. When greater numbers of students are applying to the same colleges, it is more competitive.

For the remainder of high school, it’s important that your teen is positioning themselves to stand out in their applications. And as they are developing their list of colleges to consider these two questions:

Why am I special?

Why is X college a fit for me?

As a parent, you may want to answer these questions for your teen. But the answer must come from your teen. Admissions readers can easily detect any response that is not from your teen. Your teen’s genuine response to these questions can make all the difference in which colleges admit them. And . . . which colleges will offer scholarships so that you are not overpaying.

Question: How is your teen helping to pay for college? What are they doing in high school to position themselves for top dollar scholarships? Please comment below.

 

How parents can win at the college admissions game

There’s a lot of stress and hype about college. It’s understandable because we hear so much about how competitive it is to get in to college while the rising costs of tuition makes college a major investment.

Parents of college-bound teens are concerned about their teen getting in to college and getting scholarships. Depending on the grade of your teen, though, those concerns may differ greatly. Here are examples of concerns that I see in my practice at each grade level:

  • Parent of middle schooler concern – how the right high school can make a difference with your teen’s college chances
  • Parent of 9th grader concern – the activities resume and how community service or athletics play a role
  • Parent of 10th grader concern – how the summer before junior year is spent and how to balance academic rigor
  • Parent of an 11th grader concern – how changes to the Common App will affect the college application process

parents can get help with college admissionsThese are very different concerns and each make a difference when it comes to your teen’s chances of getting in to their top choice colleges and getting the money to make college affordable.

Parents play an important role in college admissions because let’s face it . . . sometimes, teens need a bit of nagging to do what they need to do. More importantly, parents often don’t have the same level of support from the school as their teen. Parents are then left to sift through countless websites for reliable information that’s quickly overwhelming.

You can join me for a quick 20-minute training if you have a teen currently in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade during my FB Live series the week of April 24-28. Attend one or all sessions to get the insight and tools to help your teen achieve their best potential.

Facebook Live: How to help your Teen
Get in and Get Money for College
April 24-28, 2017

 

Day 1: April 24 at 2 pm EST What parents of middle schoolers must know

Day 2: April 25 at 2 pm EST What parents of 9th graders must know

Day 3: April 26 at 2 pm EST What parents of 10th graders must know

Day 4: April 27 at 2 pm EST What parents of 11th graders must know

Day 5: April 28 at 2 pm EST What parents of college-bound teens must know now – Wrap up Party!

 

Please let me know if you’d like a reminder. Also, what questions do you have that I could answer during the event? You may post your questions or comments below.

Vassar has an independent, interdisciplinary and creative spirit

Vassar is a highly selective, small, coeducational liberal arts college, located just 70 miles north of New York City and known for its liberal traditions. Vassar prides itself on curricular flexibility, tolerance, and diversity.vassar liberal arts college

Multidisciplinary studies have been a distinctive feature of academic life at Vassar for several decades, fostering an intellectual environment that thrives on crossing disciplinary boundaries. A great example of this academic freedom and mindset is the Interdisciplinary Robotics Research Laboratory, created by five professors in biology, psychology and computer science where students can investigate with physical robots as well as computer simulations of virtual robots.

The college’s 1,000-acre campus, just outside Poughkeepsie, New York, is decorated with architecture which is predominantly neo-Gothic and yes, the library does look like a scene out of Harry Potter.

Acceptance: 26%

Freshmen from out of state: 71%

Most popular majors: economics, English, psychology

Housing: Guaranteed housing all four years

4-year Graduation rate: 88%

Vassar College

Academics: Vassar began as a women’s college in 1861 and went coed in 1968. There is no core curriculum and no general education or distribution requirements. Academic flexibility is paramount. That said, all students must take a Freshman Course, a small seminar emphasizing oral and written expression, as well as one course that requires significant quantitative analysis (similar to Hamilton College, also in New York).

More than half the students at Vassar double-major, with the most popular majors being English, political science, psychology, economics, and biological sciences. 70% of Vassar students go to graduate school, with medical school being the largest percent. Absolutely love that all freshmen have their own librarian.

Social: Vassar doesn’t have a Greek system, so social life revolves around films, lectures, parties, concerts, and the like. With its strong theatrical department, Vassar has 50+ theatre productions per year. A senior remarked that, “There are more than 1,000 events registered on the campus every year, which is nearly 40 events a week.”  Student Association, WVKR radio station, Vassar Greens, and ultimate Frisbee are influential in student social life. Popular events include Spring Concert, Founder’s Day, and All Campus Halloween Party.

Financial: Vassar offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid, with 100% of need fully met.  The average financial aid package is $45,000 and 60% of students receive awards. Interestingly, the family income of students who received financial aid ranged from $0 to $270,000.

What do you think of Vassar? What about this college is a good fit? Please post your comments below.

A Guide on How to Apply for FAFSA

Navigating the financial aid process is a crucial step for college-bound students and their families. One of the most critical tools in this process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Understanding how to apply for FAFSA, how to fill out FAFSA correctly, and how to add schools to FAFSA can significantly impact the financial aid you receive.

Additionally, many students wonder, “Should I apply for FAFSA before being accepted?” and “Do all schools require the CSS Profile?” This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and provide you with essential tips to complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile efficiently.

FAFSA: The Basics

Families can begin applying for financial aid through FAFSA starting on October 1st each year. This early opening date aligns well with the college application process, allowing students to submit their FAFSA information alongside their college applications.

Given that many students apply to colleges with early action deadlines, having your FAFSA completed early can be advantageous. Schools like Georgia Tech have early action deadlines as early as October 15th, and many others, such as MIT, The Ohio State University, and Purdue, have early deadlines in November. Completing your FAFSA early ensures that colleges have enough financial information to make preliminary decisions about financial aid awards when they release admissions decisions in mid-December or January.

How to Fill Out FAFSA: Step-by-Step

Filling out the FAFSA might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it can be a straightforward process. Here are the top steps to follow:

  1. Create Your FSA ID: Before you start the FAFSA, you and your teen need to create separate Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs. These IDs will be used to fill out the form and update information in subsequent years. Make sure to store your FSA ID securely.
  2. Start the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov: Once you have your FSA ID, you can begin filling out the FAFSA online. The form includes over 100 questions, but you don’t have to complete it all at once—you can save your progress and return later. The system will store your information for up to 45 days.
  3. Add Schools to FAFSA: While filling out the FAFSA, you’ll have the opportunity to list the colleges where you want your financial information sent. You can add up to 10 schools initially, and if you’re applying to more, you can update your FAFSA later to include additional institutions.
  4. Gather Necessary Documents: To streamline the process, gather all necessary documents before starting the FAFSA. These include social security numbers, alien registration numbers (if applicable), federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, and current bank statements.
  5. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: To simplify the financial information section, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to transfer your tax return data directly into the FAFSA. This tool reduces the chances of errors and ensures that your financial information is accurate.

Should I Apply for FAFSA Before Being Accepted?

Yes, you should apply for FAFSA before being accepted to a college. Completing the FAFSA early allows colleges to consider your financial information when making admissions decisions. It also ensures that you don’t miss out on any first-come, first-served financial aid. Many schools begin awarding aid packages as soon as they start accepting students, so having your FAFSA on file early is crucial.

Do All Schools Require CSS Profile?

Not all schools require the CSS Profile, but many private colleges and universities do. The CSS Profile, administered by the College Board, is used by schools to award non-federal financial aid. Unlike FAFSA, which is free to submit, the CSS Profile requires a fee, though fee waivers are available for eligible students. The CSS Profile asks for more detailed financial information than FAFSA, and it’s important to check whether the schools you’re applying to require this additional form. You can find this information on the financial aid section of each college’s website.

Tips for Last-Minute FAFSA and CSS Profile Completion

If you’re completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile at the last minute, here are some tips to save time and reduce stress:

  1. Your Teen Leads the Process: Remember that both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are in your student’s name, not yours. This means your teen will need to create their own FSA ID and College Board account. Parents can assist with the financial details, but the student must take the lead.
  2. Plan Ahead: Obtaining an FSA ID can take 2-3 days due to social security number verification. If you’re short on time, you can start the FAFSA without the FSA ID by using your student’s information. Be sure to return later to officially sign the FAFSA once the FSA ID is ready.
  3. Verify and Update: After submitting your FAFSA, set a reminder to check for any required updates or verification, especially if you initially submitted without the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Ensuring all information is accurate and complete is vital for avoiding delays in receiving financial aid.

Conclusion

Understanding how to apply for FAFSA, how to fill out FAFSA, and how to add schools to FAFSA can make a significant difference in the financial aid process. Applying for FAFSA before being accepted is essential for maximizing your aid potential, and knowing whether your schools require the CSS Profile can save you time and effort. By following these tips and planning ahead, you can navigate the financial aid process with confidence and secure the funding needed for your college education.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Good luck!

Union College has interdisciplinary studies, engineering and unique study abroad options

union campus engineering

Union College is known for its interdisciplinary studies and study abroad programs. To emphasize creativity in its engineering programs, Union supports STEAM (with arts). During my visit there, I was most impressed with the high rate of graduation for women in the sciences and engineering. Union has a rather unique program in Siberian Russia which combines Russian studies and environmental studies. Building on a strong sense of community, all faculty, staff, and students are assigned to a “house” which is a space for them with seminar room, programming and community. (Upperclassmen can live in the house.)

Here are a few quick facts about Union College:
Union College

Acceptance: 38%

Freshmen from out of state: 75%

Most popular majors: economics, biology, psychology

Housing: Guaranteed housing freshman year

4-year Graduation rate: 80%

Academics:  “Union has outstanding academics.” says a freshman. Union operates on a trimester system, which means thrice-a-year exams and a late start to summer jobs—but also the opportunity to concentrate on just three courses a term. The common curriculum has modern language requirements and 5 writing across curriculum courses within the 7 distribution areas. Engineering majors must declare by the end of freshman year – bio-, mechanical, electrical, or computer. Union also provides wonderful opportunities for students to study abroad. One program allows students to study for a term in Siberia, Russia, delving into Russian and environmental studies. The professors here at Union are simply wonderful.” says another student. Students can expect to see full professors at the lecterns rather than TAs. 

Social:  “The majority of social life is on campus,” says a student. Campus events also include comedians, concerts, and speakers. What Schenectady lacks can be found in Saratoga Springs, which boasts restaurants, jazz clubs, horse racing, and Skidmore College, or in the nearby Adirondacks and Catskills. Popular road trips include Boston, Montreal, New York, and the ski slopes of nearby Vermont. Union’s athletic teams compete in Division III, aside from men’s and women’s ice hockey, both of which are Division I. 

Financial: Although the tuition and fees are approximately $62,274, Union College offers grants and need-based financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship of $32,000. 100% of need is fully met, although the Union is need-aware. Union does not combine merit and need-based aid.

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.