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College Admission Essay/Personal Statement

What is a College Application Essay?
The college application essay (or personal statement) is your chance to show colleges who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s a way to highlight your personality, perspective, and what you’ll bring to campus.

Why It Matters:
Most colleges require an essay—especially if you're applying through the Common App. It helps admissions teams understand you in your own words and can make a big difference in their decision.

What Colleges Look For:
Strong writing, clear thinking, and an authentic voice. Many colleges also value qualities like resilience, especially after recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Need Help Getting Started?
Check out the resources linked in the sidebar for tips, guides, and example prompts to help you craft a strong essay.

Helpful Resources for College Essays
There are many great resources to guide you through the college essay process. Explore the following:

Contact

Kayla West
College & Career Center 
360-563-7578