by Karen Rowe

August is the month when your college application story takes shape. While grades, test scores, and activities matter, your essays are where you become more than a number. Essays are your chance to show admissions officers who you truly are. This month, your priority is to finalize your Common App personal statement and begin drafting supplemental essays for each school.

Think of your essays as conversations with the admissions committee. They already have your stats; now they want to meet you. If you write with authenticity, heart, and reflection, you’ll leave an impression long after they’ve closed your file.

The Common App Essay: Your Spotlight Moment

Purpose: This 650-word essay is your chance to show personality, values, and growth.

Here are some tips:

• Choose a Compelling Topic

1. 1. • Pick a moment that shaped you, big or small, but make sure it’s personal and unique to you. Focus on a transformation, realization, or insight rather than just the event.

• Hook the Reader Early

1. 1. • Start with an image, a moment, or a line of dialogue. Avoid “I have always wanted to…” beginnings.

• Show, Don’t Just Tell

1. 1. • Use sensory details and examples instead of generic statements.

• Reveal Growth

1. 1. • End by connecting your experience to who you are today and who you want to be on campus.

• Revise Multiple Times

1. • Our essay assistants are ready to help. Remember to add your outline before your essay. Most students will revise their essay 5-7 times.

Supplemental Essays: Common Types & How to Approach Them

• “Why This College?”

1. 1. • Mention specific programs, professors, traditions, or campus opportunities.
      • Avoid generic statements (“It’s a great school with a beautiful campus”).
   2. “Why This Major?”
      • Share a personal story about how you became interested in the field.
      • Tie your passion to opportunities at that specific school.

• Community & Identity Prompts

1. 1. • Reflect on experiences, values, or communities that shaped you.
      • Highlight how you will contribute to campus life.

• Creative or Unusual Prompts

1. • Let your personality shine. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it, as long as it’s thoughtful.

Here is your August checklist:

✅ Finalize Common App essay
✅ Organize supplemental prompts in one place
✅ Draft at least half of the supplemental essays
✅ Alert your college counselor about which supplemental essays you want assistance with
✅ Get feedback and revise