College Application Essay: Depth vs. Breadth

Filed under college personal statement writing tips, October 24th, 2009 by admin

In writing a college application essay, it is important to be able to share relevant information as well as good insight in order to make it appealing and interesting. If you put too much information, you run the risk of making it tiresome for your readers. On the other hand, well-thought of essays are always remarkable reads.

Characteristics of an essay with depth

Depth requires a certain level of intensity that would only come from being able to share what is actually important and meaningful to you. It is honest, astute, and very much alive with your passion and commitment to the things that interest you.

Why depth is more important than breadth

While you may have won many outstanding awards or been a part of numerous activities, simply listing these down doesn?t really tell anyone who you are or what you?ve learned. It may tell people that you?re talented and smart, but other applicants may be so as well. If so, your list wouldn?t really give you any edge. On the other hand, mentioning your awards and experiences in passing and just focusing on a few that actually made an impact on you helps to show who you really are and what you value. This, in turn, would help whoever reads your essay feel more connected and get a better understanding of you as a person and not just as another applicant. Thus, the quality of your statement has more bearing than its scope.

More tips on writing an essay with depth

If want your essay to have depth, make sure to focus on some important aspects. First, find out the thing about you that you would like to impart and one that shows you are most suitable to the school you are applying to and your chosen field of specialization. Second, forego cliches. There is more profundity in originality. Third, write with clarity and conviction. Do not clutter your essay with non-essentials and make sure that you maintain a smooth flow of thought. Lastly, though your mind is an important tool in the writing process, do not forget to pour out your heart and display
some emotion. You get to share what it is that makes you unique in the process.

Related links:

Admission essay – How to put together attractive essays
University requirements – About what top universities are looking for
Great admission essays – All about writing college admission essays
Sample personal statement – How a sample personal statement essay can be useful
Organizing pezing your essay

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