The Personal Statement

So many students want to know what to write their personal statement about.  Here is an article from NPR about great college essays.

The Ivy League Essay

I always hesitate to post "great college essays" because I'm afraid that my students will unintentionally write in a similar way or on a similar topic.  That said, as my seniors bear down to finish those last remaining college applications, I thought I should post the college essay that got it's author into every Ivy League school. 

Here is what I love about this essay:

1. The author talks about his love of music in such a loving and simple way.  "My haven for solace in and away from home is in the world of composers, harmonies and possibilities.  My musical haven has shaped my character and without it, my life would not be half as wonderful as it is today."

2. The author talks about his longevity in music.  He has been playing the violin for nine years.  I feel as though my mantra, "quality over quantity," in regards to extracurricular activities is highlighted here.

3. The author uses the lessons he has learned in music to inspire other areas of his life.  From being in a high school musical to being a part of a Doo Wop Group to leadership roles, this young man is able to see the impact of one interest across everything he does.

No matter what my students write about, I encourage them to keep their writing simple, to write about something they are passionate about (that passion will shine through!), and to connect what they have learned to all areas of their life. 

Pieces of Advice for College-Seeking High School Seniors

Amen to all seven pieces of advice in this interesting article from Forbes Magazine.

My favorite piece of advice (and it was so hard to choose because they were all so wonderful):

"More important than where you go is how you go.

"If you attend college determined to make learning and growth your priority, if you regularly take the risk to try new things, if you go meet your professors personally, and if you claim the campus as your home, the odds are very high that you will walk across the commencement stage in four short years with a profound sense of satisfaction.

"You have the power to create long-term mentors and lifelong friends. You can grow in ways you’d never wish to trade away. You can develop your adult identity and your voice. Every college offers all this—but no college can do it for you. The greatest learners create the education they seek."

*I was worried when I posted it that students wouldn't continue reading beyond the author's college - Franklin & Marshall.  Yes, I live in a community that looks at the very top of rankings lists and, yes, otherwise fabulous colleges don't get looked at because of where they fall on a list.  If you feel this way, I challenge you to research this college because you might find out something wonderful about this school or about yourself that you never knew.  You might even decide that this college president has a tremendous outlook on education and on the students he sees fitting into his college.  If you like what you read, maybe Franklin & Marshall is for you!