In addition to a main personal statement, many colleges ask for essays that are specific to them. It is fair to assume that these “supplemental” carry more weight than the 650-word personal statement that goes to all colleges that share the application platform. Applicants stress over their main essay, but, think about it, if colleges are asking their own questions, isn’t it reasonable to assume that these responses carry more weight for them than an essay written to a nonspecific audience? Mind you, I am NOT suggesting that the personal statement be glossed over. It plays a vital role in revealing the applicant’s individuality and value system. I AM saying that supplemental essays can be of monumental value if a student has positioned themselves and planned for them thus enabling them to write an effective response.
Supplemental essays come in many forms. The most common is the “Why us?” themed prompts. Although most common, they are not today’s topic. My pressing concern is about the other typical prompts because effective answers might need advance preparation. There are actions that juniors, sophomores, and freshmen can take to gain the experiences and insights that will help them answer these deeper questions. Applicants might need to think or respond or even act on a community or social situation. Many colleges want to know how their applicants might add to their college community. Whether conservative or liberal, colleges are places where activism is commonplace and students get involved. College-bound high school students need to ask themselves if they can talk in a meaningful way about how they have contributed to their community or how they have demonstrated a sensitivity to a social issue. The students who have a dedicated cause, so to speak, can write these responses easily and effectively. Those who have not committed to something can really struggle with this important component.
My proposed solution is to challenge high school students to read the news if they don’t already. Learn about what current troubles are facing either their community or even all of mankind and get involved at some level. Are our kids already over-scheduled and stressed by what is already expected of them? Absolutely. Yet I am unapologetically suggesting that they layer on something more. The short-term goal is to show colleges that they are involved and caring individuals. The long-term goal is to become one.
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