Navigating College Applications: Advice and Strategies

Ann Ahn  
Head Counselor, MEK Review

The season of college applications can be a time of worry and stress for any family, with no definitive answers. Schools with an acceptance rate below 10% are labeled as "Super Reach," and choosing schools with acceptance rates of 10-20% or 20-30% can raise questions. While there is no perfect strategy for selecting schools or ensuring successful applications, offering advice grounded in meaningful experiences is possible.

In recent years, the number of applications per student has exceeded 15, underscoring the competitive landscape. A successful application strategy cannot be limited to applying to just a couple of preferred colleges.

The numerous applications are not entirely separate but can be managed with the Common Application, which allows aspects to overlap. Over 800 colleges nationwide use this system to evaluate applications, sharing basic information, activities, and essays. This system also connects with high school college counseling systems, like Naviance, solving issues associated with postal submissions.

The Common Application Essay: "How to Showcase My Character?"

In 2019, the Common Application offered seven essay prompts. Students must choose one and compose an essay of up to 650 words.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or want to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, research query, or ethical dilemma — anything important to you, regardless of scale. Explain its significance and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept so engaging it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? To whom or what do you turn when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your design.

Five Tips to Avoid

When choosing from the seven Common App prompts, remember that fitting your personal story to a prompt can be challenging. Instead, identify your unique story first, then align it with a prompt. Sometimes, option 7—“Share an essay on any topic”—may fit best.

Avoid writing someone else's story as your own. Our essays should be sincere reflections of personal experiences.

Focus on genuine language rather than sophisticated words that might lead to awkward phrasing. Genuine storytelling conveys your character more effectively.

Your story doesn't need a happy ending. Whether joyful or not, the maturity gained from your experience is what matters.

Avoid cliché endings like, "I now realize that I can reach whatever goal I set." Authenticity is key.

Five Recommended Tips

Start your essay with an impactful first sentence.
For example, avoid a clichéd start like, "As I consider all the challenges I have faced, I am most affected by working at a high-end coffee shop." Instead, try: "I know her name is Amy, but when ordering a vanilla macchiato, she insists on 'Anastasia' on the cup, carefully enunciating each letter."

Focus on a singular moment rather than a broad history of ages 17 and 18.

Showcase your love for learning, your ability to think outside the box, and your passion.

Illustrate your perspective and how you view the world.

After drafting, read your essay aloud. Ensure it remains engaging, even during late hours or tiring moments. It should encapsulate your story and leave a lasting impression.

A well-crafted essay will always shine, reflecting your best efforts and achievements.

Column Series

November: Why are test scores low despite good assignment grades?  
December: How to excel in reading scores for major tests?  
January: The application process may be over, but what’s left to do?  
February: Successfully concluding the academic year.

Ann Ahn  
Head Counselor, MEK Review

Locations:  
MEK Palisades Park - 261 1st Street, Palisades Park, NJ 07650  
MEK Closter - 40 Homans Ave., Closter, NJ 07624