Crafting a Memorable College Admissions Essay: Tips from Regent University's Chelsea Burnett (Full Transcript)

Speaker 1: You already know the admissions essay is a critical part of your college application. I'm Chelsea Burnett, Assistant Director of Admissions at Regent University, and I read thousands of student essays each year, so I'm here to give you some easy-to-remember tips as you and your family prepare to write your essay. Or should I say essays? Don't plan to write just one universal statement. But more on that in a minute. While your GPA and test scores can provide the admissions committee with information about your academic abilities, they don't present a full picture of who you are as a person or even as a student. As colleges consider thousands of applicants each year, they are certainly looking for successful students, but more importantly, people who will be positive influences on their campus and classmates. Here are my three tips for writing a memorable admissions essay. Number one, be careful. We already have your GPA and available test scores. This essay is your chance to demonstrate solid writing technique. So watch your grammar and spelling and convey your thoughts concisely and coherently. You should never submit a first draft for your admissions essay. Instead, ask a friend, parent, or teacher to help identify areas that need polished or mistakes that need correction. Number two, be notable. Not every 17-year-old has dozens of accomplishments to list in an essay, and that's fine. You can still stand out to an admissions committee by telling us about where you grew up, your dream job, or personal experiences that shaped your beliefs. Learning more about your values, work ethic, and ambitions are just as important as achievements. Your essay can be focused on your future, not just your past. Number three, be candid. Why do you want to attend this university? This is where the universal essay for all applications falls short. Schools want to accept students who want to come to their school and will be excited to join their community. Tell us why you want to be a part of this place. Let us know if you have a connection through a parent or sibling. Maybe you've even attended events on campus already. Be sincere and communicate what drew you to apply. Admissions committees like to know you've researched their programs and location and that you've thoughtfully chosen to consider their school. The college application process is full of opportunities to be noticed. Just make sure you're memorable for the right reasons, because you wrote a mistake-free, future-focused, and honest essay. I'm Chelsea Burnett for Regent University Admissions.