Developing a Common App essay narrative
The Common App requires U.S. college applicants to become proficient in a fairly unique form of essay composition. The Common App essay, the bedrock of any successful college application for U.S. institutions, is an example of expository writing, meaning that candidates are expected to show how they have developed as a person following key experiences in their lives.
While this is essential for the Common App, it is not a form of writing that is commonly taught in Hong Kong schools, or in international curricula. That means that our U.S. admissions consultants at BartyED frequently get students enquiring about how to improve their ability in expository writing.
The most frequent question that our U.S. college admissions consultants get from students is, ‘How do you identify a compelling anecdote for the Common App essay?’
It can be difficult to pinpoint a singular moment in one’s life, but it’s important to bear in mind that it does not necessarily have to be a life-changing event, or something particularly dramatic. Instead, students are advised to consider their values and interests.
If a candidate is passionate about their work volunteering in a soup kitchen, for example, they may pick an anecdote from that moment to use as the jumping off point for a compelling U.S. college admissions essay. Others may choose a memory from a debate, or a football game. The important thing for anyone drafting a Common App essay is to centre it on something that they are genuinely passionate about. It will make the subsequent drafting of the essay a lot less arduous.
Once a student has developed their ‘hook’ to base their Common App essay on, the next step is to begin to build a narrative around it. While U.S. college admissions officers like to see passion in candidates, it’s also important to use the Common App essay to show your breadth.
Candidates should aim to use their central hook or anecdote to then build outwards and show the rest of their interests, while also never losing sight of the core of their essay. For example, an applicant who wants their essay to centre on their passion for sailing might also explore how their passion for the sport has allowed them to get more familiar with the environmental impacts of overfishing, and thus encouraged them to get involved with activism in their area.
It’s important to note that, as with any essay draft, a candidate’s Common App essay will likely change its structure and content many times over before submission. Experimenting with and practising expository writing is the best way to ensure that this drafting process goes as smoothly as possible.
At BartyED, we have a team of experienced and professional U.S. admissions consultants ready to support any student in their Common App. As said above, the best way to ensure success is through practice with this unusual form of writing, and our U.S. admissions consultants have extensive experience in developing candidates’ skills at expository writing for the Common App.
We pride ourselves on our individualised approach to U.S. college admissions, and this proves a fantastic help to students looking to attend U.S. colleges and universities around the world.
If you would like to learn more about how BartyED’s expert team of college admissions consultants can help you or your child ace the Common App essay, get in touch via email at enquiries@bartyed.com or phone at (+852) 2882 1017 today.