Is Your Essay Strategy Working?

Question 1

Have you chosen your main Common App personal statement topic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and I'm confident it's the right story for me; Yes, but I'm second-guessing whether it's the right choice; I have a few ideas but haven't committed to one; I haven't started thinking about my topic yet

Question 2

Where are you in the drafting process?

Accepted Answer

I have a complete draft I'm actively refining; I have a rough draft that needs significant revision; I've written notes or an outline but no full draft; I haven't started writing anything yet

Question 3

Have you received feedback on your essays from someone who understands selective college admissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — from a qualified counselor or admissions advisor; Yes — from a teacher, parent, or trusted mentor; I've asked for feedback but haven't received useful input yet; No — I've been working entirely on my own

Question 4

How clearly do you understand what each target school is looking for in their supplemental essays?

Accepted Answer

I've researched each school's prompts and have a clear response strategy; I've reviewed most schools' prompts and have a general plan; I've glanced at a few prompts but haven't planned responses; I haven't looked at supplemental essay prompts yet

Question 5

If a college admissions officer read your personal statement, how clearly would your unique story come through?

Accepted Answer

My essay tells a story only I could tell — it's specific and distinctive; The story is there but could be more personal and distinctive; There's a narrative forming, but it isn't coherent or specific yet; I don't have a clear story — I'm still figuring out my angle

Question 6

Can you articulate in one sentence what makes your essay stand out from other applicants?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I can state it clearly and confidently; Yes — but I'm not fully confident it's distinctive enough; I have a rough idea but can't express it clearly yet; No — I don't know what makes my essay distinctive