To those Straight Dopers going through the pangs of applying to colleges, you are probably aware there is a standard application form online that many colleges accept. I understand they ask for a writing sample, although I am not sure off-hand exactly how they ask it. It seems the student can pick any topic, but deep down, do they want a well-constructed, five paragraph composition defending a position with strong intro, topics sentences, and strong conclusion? Or, will a freeform / creative writing style suffice? (Do high schools even bother to teach the five-paragraph structure anymore?)
I don’t want to fight with my son, but I need to know what many think colleges are looking for. Clearly, there is some ulterior motive. Your thoughts?
It’s a long time since I had anything to do with university admissions, and that was in the UK, but I’d assume that they’d be looking to see how well he can articulate, explore and develop an idea - and potential objections to it. Whether a rigid pre-ordained format or a more creative approach would be right would depend on what sort of subject he’s aiming to study, but either way, it would need a blend of clarity and independent thought. Plus, some evidence of having read around the topic. “Stream of consciousness” won’t do.
The ones I’ve seen ask a more specific question, so it might be worth looking at the applications he’s considering. You might see if the schools post sample essays. Here’s Johns Hopkins University’s page: Essays That Worked | Johns Hopkins University Admissions . Notice that they’re not perfect, but they are interesting.
When I’ve been on the reading end, I have looked for a well-constructed and well-written essay. Five-paragraph structure let me know the writer can use this strategy, but I was more interested in the flow of ideas, expression (spelling, grammar, appropriate vocabulary for the activity), address of the topic posed, and ability to support an opinion or describe something well.
I have proofread or edited hundreds, maybe thousands, of Common App personal statements and worked with many admissions officers.
They do NOT need to be a 5 paragraph essay: its a piece of reflecctive writing. It does not need to strictly adhere to the prompt.
It does need to have a central focus, though a “thesis statement” is not required. It does need to show control of language, where the organozation of ideas reinforces the idea it is trying to convey. It needs to show a strong understanding of standard English conventions (i.e., “grammar rules”) but it doesn’t need to be in a formal, academic register, and many of the best essays “break” conventions to deliberately create an effect.
It should not, under almost any circumstances, be about a mission trip, sports injury, or how attending a doverse high school has made them a better person.
There are several applying to college subreddits on Reddit and I would encourage you to cross post there. Plenty of information from both students and admissions officers.
