Essays for university applications

[crazco]

what do they generally look for? i need to write about how one of my hobbies and what i learned from it. english is not my first language so any tips and strategy could be useful.

 

[DR13]

Im going to assume that you are applying to an undergraduate university in the United States.

One big thing that they want to hear is your voice. They want to get a sense of who you really are. Dont just rattle off your gpa and extracirriculars, they already know this stuff from your application. Try to get in something that makes you feel real rather just some name on a paper. One big thing that I was always taught was this "show vs tell" mentality. You do not simply want to your essay to tell them what your life is like, you want to show them. For instance, as opposed to "I have always been interested in outerspace. Because of this, I like to look at the stars at night" you want something like "As I laid on my lawn, looking into the endless abyss that is outerspace I could not help but wonder..."

 

[story645]

They want to get a sense of who you really are

They also tend to want to see growth and struggle and all that shiny stuff, 'cause they want some indications that you don't break when things get hard. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar also count, so get your essays proofread.

 

[crazco]

thank you, i will consider those points when i write!

 

[rezeew]

University applications typically look for well-rounded individuals who have a strong academic background, but also possess other qualities such as leadership, community involvement, and unique experiences. Essays are a great opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality and interests beyond their grades and test scores.

When writing about your hobby, it is important to choose one that is meaningful to you and has had a significant impact on your life. This could be anything from playing a sport, learning a musical instrument, or participating in a club or organization. The key is to focus on what you have learned from this hobby and how it has shaped you as a person.

As a non-native English speaker, it is important to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Proofreading your essay multiple times and asking for feedback from others can help ensure that your writing is clear and error-free. Additionally, incorporating specific examples and anecdotes can make your essay more engaging and personal.

In terms of strategy, it is helpful to brainstorm and outline your essay before starting to write. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you are addressing the prompt effectively. It is also important to be genuine and authentic in your writing, as admissions officers can often tell when an essay is forced or insincere.

Overall, the key to a successful essay for university applications is to showcase your unique qualities and experiences, and how they have contributed to your personal growth and development. Good luck with your application!