Application Essays Competitive Schools

Competitive Schools

• First things first—calm down! These schools are looking for the same things regular schools are looking for (preparation, talent, and fit), they’re asking the same kinds of questions (experience, influence, analysis, explanation, “what if?”), and they’re looking for the same kinds of answers.
• However, there aredifferences.
  • These schools are high-pressure environments. The application process is more stressful. You are being tested to see if you can handle that stress. If you freak out over the application, you may not be able to handle finals at MIT. What do you do?Relax—whatever it takes. Remember that it’s just a form, and that someone is trying to scare you. Don’t let them get away with it!
  • These schools have large applicant pools. You are competing against a bigger group of prospective students. What do you do?Remember you’ve already got what it takes. If you have the necessary preparation, talent, and fit, you can write a good essay even if you’ve never performed emergency brain surgery or invented time travel. Relax, choose your subject carefully, and write well—and you’ll already be ahead of the curve.
• It’s natural to want to gush in an essay for your dream school—to write about how much you love the place and want to go there.
  • Go with that instinct. Everyone else will be writing about those feelings, and you’ll sound strange if you don’t.
  • However, don’tmake up stories about how qualified you are or how many of your relatives have attended the school. If anyone checks your fake story, you’re in trouble.
  • Remember these schools are like the popular kids in high school—you’ll do better by being yourself than by faking perfection. If you’re really who they’re looking for (and you must think you are, or you wouldn’t be applying), theywill come to you.
• When in doubt:
  • Remember that these schools are looking for the same qualities other schools are looking for—and they’re using the same kinds of questions to find them.
  • Acknowledge that you’re under stress, and in a competitive environment.
  • Then take a deep breath and do your best anyway.
  • Be excited about your school, but don’t make things up just to get in.
  • Remember that these schools are the academic equivalent of the popular kids—with all that implies.
  • Read, read, read. (It’ll improve your writing.)
  • Relax and have a little fun!