US Essay Tips

There are 2 types of essays you need to write for the US: 

The Common App Essay is a generic essay that you submit to every US school you are applying to.

The Supplementary Essays are different essays which each university will ask you to write and submit to them individually 

Common app essay: 

Each year, Common App will release topics for you to write about. While the topics are slightly different, all of them help the admissions officers to understand who you are as a person. There is an incredible amount of flexibility in the essay style, think about it as a mix of creative and discursive writing about yourself.

Some questions for you to consider as you write your Common App essay:

1.    What are some of your most unique experiences?

2.    What are some important life lessons you’ve learned, and how did you learn from them?

3.    What’s something you’re really passionate about, that you can not live without?

4.    What makes you you?

5.    How have you grown in the past 17/18 years?

Normally, it’s a good idea to start with a purposeful analogy or metaphor as a recurring motif in your essay. It can be a plant that accompanied your growth, a special painting, an inside joke with friends, a stationary. Think about how the analogy links to who you are as a person.

Key personal qualities to demonstrate in your essay:

1.    You are an open-minded person

2.    You can thrive through challenges and learn to apply your lessons in other scenarios

3.    You have things you are passionate about

Supplementary essays:

Each US school also will ask you to write supplementary essays. This is to see if you are a good “fit” for each school. hey will be in the form of short questions, ranging from around 150-300 words each. The questions are quite direct and do not have as much flexibility as the Common App essay.

Each school has a unique culture. It’s very important to research the school culture and cater your interests and answers according to what the school is known for.  

Consider using different structure (e.g. numbering your answers, use an acrostic poem of the school’s name) to make yourself stand out. However, the content of your answer is still prioritised over the form.