College Guidance > The Application Process > Essays, Portfolios, and Recordings

Essays, Portfolios, and Recordings

Essay Planning

Almost all students will prepare the Common Application essay, but that is just the beginning. Some schools do not accept the Common Application; many schools which accept the Common Application require supplemental essays or short statements regarding extracurricular activities or personal experiences. It is probable you will have to prepare several pieces. Review all the required topics before starting and strategize using the same material in more than one application.

Essay: Dos and Don'ts

Take full advantage of the opportunity to share yourself directly with the admissions committee. Let the readers discover what makes you who you are. A memorable, creative, well-written essay can tip an admission decision in your favor.

Do

  • Tell a story. Let the story reveal the characteristic you want to highlight.
  • Be concise and candid; use your usual vocabulary.
  • Keep the reader awake. Make the first sentence an attention grabber. Write about your passion; write about the assigned topic from a fresh perspective.
  • Address the question.
  • Allow enough time to rewrite, and rewrite again.
  • Share your essay with two adults for reactions. Remember Ms. Pfeffer is always happy to give you a college application perspective on your topic and drafts.
  • Proofread. Proofread again.
Don't
  • Send an essay with sentence fragments, run-on sentences or other grammatical errors or misspellings.
  • Go over the word limit.
  • Write what you think the admissions officer wants to hear.
  • Repeat facts and figures which appear elsewhere in the application.
  • Apologize or make excuses for your record.
  • Be too cute or weird just to stand out.
  • Make assumptions about the reader or use "you."

Your essays must be provided to the College Guidance Office for inclusion with your applications.

Portfolios and Recordings

Students with significant artistic or musical talent should consider sending slides, a recording or portfolio with their college applications. Conservatories and art schools often require such submissions, and certain liberal arts colleges encourage students to send material to the relevant faculty. Some colleges do not welcome such submissions. It is the best policy to contact the admissions office of the college, or speak with the College Guidance Office, before adding supplemental material.