In reflection of our discussion today, the college admissions essay is a genre that requires the writer to analyze his or her audience deeply. It is important to know what the goal of the piece is, which is not only to “get into college” as referenced by Kerry Dirk in “Navigating Genres” (253), but to present yourself in a positive and impressive light. Within this, there are many challenges. In my own experience writing college admissions essays, I found it difficult to sound scholarly and experienced without sounding conceited. I did not know how to make myself seem relatable and fun while still appealing as a student involved in school and focused on my work. I believe that one of the most challenging aspects of the college admissions essay is presenting yourself to an audience with the hopes that\u00a0they will\u00a0like you more than the thousands of other people they meet through text.<\/p>\n
Many colleges require a personal statement in the application process. This prompt typically entails an autobiography-style description of oneself, with\u00a0the story of a personal experience or response to a situational question. When writing my personal statement, I was advised by most teachers and students to respond in a way that presented myself\u00a0and my\u00a0identity best. Unlike the five paragraph essays we are taught to write at a very young age, the college admissions essay is counted in words, not paragraphs. To describe myself and my story in a very limited amount of words is hard, but with the added pressure of how to best present myself it became much more difficult. It is important to understand the college admissions essay as a genre that requires the writer to reflect on their life as well as their goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In reflection of our discussion today, the college admissions essay is a genre that requires the writer to analyze his or her audience deeply. It is important to know what the goal of the piece is, which is not only Continue reading