What's Your Community? More Than You Think!

As students narrow in on supplemental essays, they may be starting to ask: "Do I need to write about my race, gender, or socioeconomic background?" While those aspects of identity are absolutely valid and important, the truth is, there is a variety of communities in which you can belong, and colleges want you to show your unique place within them.

What Colleges Are Really Looking For

When a college asks about individual experience in a supplemental essay, they're looking for students who are:

• Open-minded and respectful: Someone who can genuinely listen to and appreciate different perspectives.

• Community-minded: An individual who understands that their own experiences are part of a larger tapestry, and they're excited to learn alongside people different from themselves.

• A unique contributor: How will your specific background, insights, or passions enrich their campus community?

  
  

This essay is your chance to add meaningful context to your transcript and resume, giving admissions officers a deeper understanding of your background, culture, and values.

Thinking Expansively About Your Identity

Forget any pressure to fit a narrow definition. Your identity is incredibly broad! While traditional identity features like race, ethnicity, or gender are strong topics, consider exploring:

• Unique talents or skills: Are you a competitive puzzler? Are you a self taught polyglot?

• Distinct beliefs or values: Perhaps an unwavering passion for scientific truth or a particular ethical stance.

• Unusual hobbies or interests: Maybe you're a collector of a genre of music or an expert in a niche historical period.

• Rare experiences: Have you grown up in a tiny town of 500 people? Did you backpack in the Alaskan wilderness?

• Special roles in life: Perhaps you're the caregiver for a family member with a disability, or you've helped support your family by working a demanding job while attending school.

  
  

The goal isn't to find the most unusual thing, but to find what's most authentic and central to who you are and how it has shaped your outlook and interactions with the world.

Crafting Your Standout Essay

Once you've pinpointed a facet of your identity, it's time to bring it to life.

1. Match Your Values: Research the specific college's community and values. How does your unique experience align with what they appreciate?

2. Lean on Anecdotes: Instead of just telling them you're open-minded, show it. Share a brief, meaningful story – a memorable interaction, a time you achieved a goal related to this trait, or even a moment of reflection.

3. Show, Don't Tell: Provide concrete examples of how this aspect of your identity has affected your perspectives, interests, and interactions. How has it influenced your approach to education or the world around you?

   
   

This essay is about revealing who you are, how you've grown, and how your unique self will contribute to the vibrant collective of their college community.

Feeling stuck on how to focus your story? A college consultant can help you brainstorm, articulate your unique experiences, and fine-tune your essay to shine. Reach out today to discuss how we can help you highlight your individuality and make your supplemental essays truly impactful!