When Writing College Essays, Forget Idealism, Stick to Authenticity

Spending years in "basic" education from elementary all the way to high school can give students an absolutist view of right and wrong. In math and the sciences, answers that adhere to the principles of existing "laws of nature" and rules of computation are correct. In humanities, those that align with historical precedents and the opinion of "expert" teachers are not to be questioned. Such thinking promotes the idea that there is always a right answer, and that answer can be reached by reading books, asking teachers, or conducting research with experts.

Writing essays for college applications, for people who are used to the idea of absolute answers, can be deeply uncomfortable. Instead of asking for the right answers, they ask for who you are. No book or human expert can give you a good answer for this one: after all, no one knows who you are better than yourself. And there is no right answer for who you should be. Yes, colleges look for intellectual students who can contribute to diversity, study hard, and are fun-loving at the same time, but there is no one way for that combination to be expressed in real life.

Yes, it is good to ask for advice from people who are good writers. They can help come up with ideas on how to put ideas into words, in a way that is easy to understand for someone who does not know you in real life. However, given the diversity of personalities and expressions in the world, asking for more advice from more people does not help with the triangulation to get to one "correct" answer. Instead, each one might provide a different set of advice, sometimes contradictory to one another, making the process of writing even more uncomfortable.

So what should the frustrated and confused students do? At the end of the day, they are the primary decision-makers in the process of finalizing college applications. Take advice from others are they are: advice; not orders, instructions, commands, or binding agreements. Prioritize expressing who you are, and ignore and reject all advice that is contrary to who you are. Because at the end of the day, colleges want students who display authenticity: instead of putting their "best faces" forward, being genuine counts much more in college life.

Indeed, focusing on the genuine is a skill that would serve much better than embellishment in college life and beyond. Presenting an ideal version of yourself, supposedly aligned with the philosophy and values of the colleges being applied to sounds like a noble goal, but once you get to the interview stage of the application, or get admitted and get to the university, it will be immediately visible that what you wrote and who are you are are different. The power of first impressions is much more powerful to influence human relationships than a few essays.

Therefore, it is crucial to approach the college application process with integrity and self-awareness. Engage in self-reflection to understand your values, passions, and experiences that have shaped you. Be honest about your achievements and areas of growth. Colleges are not just looking for accomplished students; they are looking for individuals who are self-aware, willing to learn, and able to contribute to their community in a meaningful way. By being true to yourself, you not only increase your chances of finding a college that is the right fit for you but also lay a strong foundation for personal development in the years to come.

Additionally, embracing your unique voice in the application essays is key. Don’t try to mimic what you think the admissions officers want to hear. Instead, share your own stories, thoughts, and aspirations. Use your authentic voice to express how your experiences have shaped you and what you hope to achieve in the future. Remember, the goal is not to impress the admissions officers with grandiose language or achievements, but to connect with them on a personal level, helping them see the world through your eyes. They are looking for unique people to add to diversity; talk about who you are in the most unique way.

Navigating the college application process can be a daunting task, especially when confronted with the pressure to present an idealized version of yourself. But it is important to remember that authenticity and self-awareness are key. By focusing on being genuine and using your authentic voice, you will not only find the process less stressful but also increase your chances of finding a college that truly values you for who you are. So, trust yourself, be true to who you are, and let your genuine self shine through in your college applications.