50 Successful Harvard Application Essays, Third Edition

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays, Third Edition

Product Description Where to Begin? With an ever-growing pool of talented and diverse college applicants coming from the top high schools in the country and beyond, students everywhere are feeling the pressure to craft application essays that are clear, passionate, and, above all else, persuasive. No easy task. Examples that Inspire To help, this completely new edition of 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays showcases the exact approaches, both conventional and creative, that won over admissions officers at Harvard University, the nations top-ranked college. From chronicling personal achievements to detailing unique talents, the variety of topics covered within these essays opens applicants up to new possibilities and showcases the best techniques to help them tell their stories most effectively. Each essay in this collection was used by a Harvard student and is followed by analysis by the staff of The Harvard Crimson, where the essay is taken apart and its strengths and weakness are detailed to show readers how they can write their own winning essay. Strategies that Succeed 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays tested approaches and straightforward advice make it the best resource for applicants who are looking for the insiders knowledge to get accepted to the school of their dreams. About the Author THE HARVARD CRIMSON has been the daily newspaper of Harvard University since 1873. It is the nations oldest continually operating daily college newspaper. Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. I. INTRODUCTION: THE ADMISSIONS ESSAYWriting a college admissions essay is an admittedly daunting task. Most likely, you have been repeatedly told that these five hundred painstakingly crafted words must complete the intimidating mission of distinguishing yourself from the legions of other college applicants, in order to leave your own personalized mark on the admissions officers. Youve probably been reminded that your essay should strike a balance between being compelling and insightful, but not too contrived. Youve likely heard varying accounts of how important the admissions essay actually is: from those who swear by their writing and predict that this little essay steered them clear of the rejection pile; to others who humbly say they were probably accepted in spite of their essay. With all the academic and extracurricular work that consumes what spare time you have outside of the application process, its almost certain that college essays arent what youd like to be worrying about on your weekends.At the same time, the admissions essay can be a boon to your application if approached carefully. Each year, college admissions rates plunge as the number of applicants grows, and the size of rsums and activities lists expands. For applicants to competitive universities and Ivy League schools, having a top grade point average (GPA) along with sporting and musical prowess may not guarantee admission. The personal statement, however, is a blank slate that allows you to share and emphasize the qualities that make you stand out. It permits you to make a creative, distinctive, and even emotional appeal directly to the admissions officers. In a process dominated by test scores and statistics, the admissions essay provides a much-needed human touch. But where do you even start to find ideas for the essay, let alone write?Thats what were here to help you do: navigate the confusing advice and vague guidance that pervades the current essay-writing process. Weve provided you ten tips for writing a standout admissions essay, and weve included fifty real essays written by students who were ultimately accepted to Harvard Collegewith the expectation that these will give you a clearer sense of what works and what doesnt. As fellow students who have been through the college application process, we understand the questions and concerns that essay-writers often face, and in this book, we se