While developing this column, I came across a request for advice on starting a college essay with a quote. The paper was to address the question, "Why should we choose you if there was one spot open?" The best answer featured a quote by Clint Eastwood's character in the 1971 film Dirty Harry: "Go ahead, make my day". It would have scored well for originality, an important quality which admission tutors look for.
That question probably came from one of the American universities, some of which ask for open-ended essays. Personal statements are also a very important component for applications to British universities. Students should convey clear reasons for choosing a particular course in their submissions to the Universities and College Application Service (UCAS), says Catherine Schofield, head of the careers team at West Island School.
In other cases, their personal statements and experience were not as strong as competing applicants in that year.
"The strongest applicants are those who can link their extracurricular activities to their proposed course of study," noted an official from the University of Warwick's undergraduate admissions office.
Students' essays should stem from personal experience, not least because they will be more genuine that way. Students who have engaged in several extracurricular activities have a distinct advantage, as they have a wealth of experience to share. Perhaps it's also because, by describing their experiences, students reveal a lot more about their characters than in any statements they might make about their personalities.
A college essay is not a résumé rewritten in paragraph format, but an opportunity to explain the student's goals, and to explain any of the shortcomings in his or her transcripts or grades.