Demonstrate reflection but stay humble; be quirky but not a nerd. Show that you are mature but eager to step out of your comfort zone. Just be your authentic self—but the version that colleges want to see. Seniors, the dreaded season is upon us: the college application writing marathon has begun.
Especially for those applying to four-year universities, seniors at Claremont High School and across the U.S. are grappling with the pressure of writing the “perfect college essay.” On one hand, your YouTube and Instagram feeds are flooded with absurd essay topics that got students into my dream colleges. On the other hand, school counselors, family members, and college application survivors simply advise you to show your personality in writing. Simple enough, right? Well, not if we have never been prepared to pull this off.
Throughout our 12 years of education, we have never truly been taught how to write essays about ourselves, much less ones demonstrating deep self-reflection. Particularly in high school, English class has always been about reading and writing about others: others’ works, others’ ideas, and other people in general. When was the last time you were tasked to write about yourself? Not just about what you did over summer break or a time you related to Character X from the class reading. But about yourself. Your internal dialogue, your aspirations, your heartbreaks, your overcoming.
In other words, if you’re a senior and feeling overwhelmed, do not worry. You are not alone in stressing over that empty Google Doc or mediocre draft you managed to squeeze out. Because public high school has not prepared you for this.
In fact, it seems that high school does not prepare students for much in terms of seeking higher education and adulting in the real world. Students have to go out of their way to prepare on their own. Especially for those applying to more selective undergraduate institutions, students have to somehow gain the special knowledge and connections to gain that extra sliver of chance of being accepted. And students who do not know the “tricks” feel lost throughout the entire process and frustrated when they realize them too late. As for being prepared for the real world, that ultimately comes through living with the consequences and lots of “I wish someone had told me sooner.”
There is a lot to be said about our education system. But one thing students might appreciate is having more opportunities to practice self-reflective writing in school. Not just mindless recollections of personal events, but observations and realizations from internal experiences. Perhaps keeping a journal could be an extra credit opportunity.
As for seniors applying to college, you can do this. Believe in yourself and know you are not alone. If you need guidance, there are always adults on the CHS campus and alumni who can help you, along with family members and friends who have been through it. Best of luck, and see you on the other side.
