UW Honors - ADMITTED

wd90
Sun, 25 May 2008 00:10:16 +0000

The essay prompt I wrote on was “What’s the best mistake your or anyone else has ever made?” I wrote about how my sister accidentally forgot to sign up for classes one quarter at college, ended up being put in a Chinese class, and loved it so much that she switched her major and studied abroad in China. In a way I was surprised I got in because this was my least favorite college app essay. It felt like I stressed my sister’s accomplishments more than my own, but I did have a very strong conclusion in which I philosophized on taking risks and trying things that you don’t expect to enjoy. From that, the best tip I’d give you is that conclusions kick major butt. Let your intro and body discuss the story and narrative aspect of your topic, but once you get to your conclusion, pour out your soul.
Mine wasn’t outstanding but it was pretty good. I asked my English teacher to do it and she put some nice specific things in there about my involvement with the newspaper and international club. I’d say this is important but unless you have one from the governor or someone similarly prestigious, I doubt you will stand out much. The adcoms realize that most recs don’t stand out so I don’t think they place much emphasis on them.
3.965 UW, 1410 CR/M SAT, online AP classes, 2/160, some study abroad stuff and several band and debate awards.