Even though some colleges may not require an essay under the new version of the Common Application, students — particularly those who’ve prevailed through difficult circumstances — should go ahead and write an essay anyway in order to distinguish themselves in the college admissions process.
That advice comes from a longtime college admissions expert who specializes in college admission essays.
“I think the essay is a huge opportunity for the vast majority of students to stand out from lots of people who look just the same,” said Carol Barash, founder and CEO of Story2, a company that helps high school students turn their life experiences into college admission essays.
“I think students are afraid that their essays won’t be good enough that they don’t even try,” Barash said. “But without the essay, you’re just one of a number.”
Students who take the time to write the essay fare much better, Barash said.
“The essay can really help an admissions committee understand who you are as a person and what you’ve gone through that makes you who you are and why they should believe in you,” she said.
Barash’s advice comes just as the new Common Application went live earlier this month. As many as 20 percent of the 600 or so Common Application-membership colleges will make the essay optional under the Common Application, although some may require essays as part of their own supplemental applications, according to published reports.
