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3 Tips to Creating the College Essay
3 tips to creating the college essay:
- Give yourself enough time to work. You should brainstorm your essay idea and figure out how you want your essay to contribute to admissions committees' understanding of your application. You also want to work on a draft or two and get feedback on your drafts from a trusted source. It is very hard to do this work in a short amount of time.
- Write what you think you should write, not what you think the admission committee wants to hear. Writing and reading essays are subjective experiences. You want to make sure that you create an essay that you are proud of and that you feel expresses your point. Remember - the more passionate you are about your subject, the more engaging it is for the reader.
- Make sure the essay gives the reader a greater understanding of you – not about someone or something else. Oftentimes, when we try to describe what we value or what we care about, we do so by talking about someone or something that is a great example of those values and priorities. Be careful not to center the example in your essay and instead, explain why the example resonates with you.
This is a chance for you to share your voice. Review CU Boulder's essay prompts and the short answer question in the Application Checklist .
Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions
- Application Tips
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Get Started
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) has introduced its new essay prompting requirements for the 2024-2025 application cycle, challenging applicants to articulate their academic interests and personal experiences in a clear and concise manner. To get you started on the right path, let's delve into the prompts and strategies for crafting a standout essay.
CU Boulder's Supplemental Essay Prompt
CU Boulder requires applicants to answer one supplemental essay prompt: “ What do you hope to study, and why, at CU Boulder? Or if you don't know quite yet, think about your studies so far, extracurricular/after-school activities, jobs, volunteering, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests. ” Your response should be 250 words or fewer .
Approaching the Prompt
When addressing CU Boulder’s supplemental essay prompt, you want to be concise yet thorough in outlining your academic aspirations or the various experiences that shaped your interests. Start by reflecting on your past experiences and future goals, particularly those that have led you to consider specific fields of study or career paths.
Tips for Success
Self-Reflection: Reflect on your academic journey so far. What subjects spark your passion? Were there any particular classes, projects, or experiences that stood out?
Extracurricular Ventures: Discuss any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that deepened your interests. Admissions officers want to see how outside-the-classroom experiences shape your academic desires.
Future Aspirations: Clearly outline your long-term goals. Why is CU Boulder the perfect place for you to achieve them? Do research on CU Boulder’s specific programs, faculty, and opportunities that align with your objectives.
Stay Within Limits: Practice brevity. Remember, you have just 250 words to make your case, so be precise and clear with your points.
Leveraging Sups AI
To enhance your essay, consider using Sups AI , an innovative AI-driven college counseling platform. Sups AI can help you brainstorm and get feedback on essays. Additionally, Sups offers one-on-one chats with current students, providing insider perspectives that can elevate your application. With its track record of helping over 10k students gain admission to top 50 colleges in the US, Sups AI is a valuable resource for crafting a compelling CU Boulder supplemental essay.
For further guidance, check out Sups AI to refine your essays and connect with mentors. Good luck!
How to Write the University of Colorado Boulder 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays
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