With it being the middle of the semester, that can only mean one thing: college applications. Many colleges require students to send in an essay so the college can really see what prospective students are like. Writing a college essay can be stressful and difficult, so here are some tips from Director of Guidance Ann Raidt to make the process easier.

1. “They look for personality, something that they would not get off of a resume. They look for student voice, which means an adult did not write it for them.”

It is important to show who you are as an individual in your essays.

2. “Tell a personal story in your essay so that way colleges can get to know you. For example, many essay prompts will ask ‘tell us how you overcame a difficulty in your life to become a better person.’ Students will take that prompt and will tell a story.”

Writing a personal essay makes for a strong essay that will grab the college’s attention. It is okay to take some time to reflect on your life to find a story that will work for your essay. Try to think back to a moment that really changed you or affected you in some way. This is the story you would want to use when writing your essay.

3. “A majority of our students are very good students, so on paper they all might look alike, but how do they stand out? You have to seriously search yourself to find something different about you, like a unique talent. You have to think about what you have done that nobody else has done.”

When you write your essay, it is about you. This is the time for you to brag about yourself and show colleges why you are worthy of their school. Talk about the goals you have achieved, your passions and your strengths. Do whatever you can to make yourself stand out.

4. “You should avoid bad grammar. You should also avoid repetition of facts; meaning don’t write about things that colleges can find in your resume. You should also avoid criticizing other people.”

Always proof read. Before you submit your essay, make sure that you have read it through multiple times. Also make sure that you have someone else edit your essay as well, such as a parent, teacher or counselor. It is important to perfect your essay as much as possible.