College Essays Aren't Personal Statements Anymore
As college application season approaches, many parents are stressed about helping their students with the essay process. However, there are several misconceptions about college essays that need to be addressed to ensure students submit their best work.
1. "Personal Statements" Are Outdated
Stop calling them personal statements. The old model of "tell us something about yourself" essays is largely gone. Today's college applications typically require:
Common App Essay: Students choose from six specific prompts (350-650 words)
UC Personal Insight Questions: Four essays chosen from eight prompts (up to 350 words each)
Supplemental Essays: Additional school-specific requirements
These are structured, specific questions - not open-ended personal statements.
2. Avoid AI-Generated Essays
Colleges are actively using AI detectors, and they're more effective than many parents realize. Students caught using AI-generated content face serious consequences. While grammar tools like Grammarly are acceptable, having AI write essays is not.
The temptation to use AI often stems from thinking there's a "generic personal statement" that can work everywhere. This approach is both detectable and ineffective.
3. Keep It in the Student's Voice
Parents often want to review and heavily edit their student's essays, but this approach backfires. Admissions officers can tell when:
Parents have significantly influenced the writing
The voice doesn't match the student's age or background
The content doesn't align with the rest of the application
Your role as a parent: Be the final reviewer, but ensure the ideas, voice, and writing style remain authentically your student's.
4. Understand the Requirements
Essay requirements depend entirely on your student's college list:
Private schools (especially East Coast): Usually require Common App essays
UC schools: Require four Personal Insight Questions
Many schools: May require supplemental essays beyond the main application essay
Don't assume all schools have the same requirements. Research each school on your student's list.
5. Know Your Due Dates
Don't rush into applications before essays are complete. Key timeline points:
October: Some specialized programs have early deadlines
November 1st: First major early action deadline
Focus first: Get essays polished before starting applications
6. Start with Essays, Not Applications
Many parents report their students have "already started their applications," but this puts the cart before the horse. Students should:
Complete their essays first
Then create their Common App account
Finally submit applications to their chosen schools
The essay process can be complex and technical. If you're feeling overwhelmed by organizing requirements, understanding different essay types, or helping your student develop their ideas (without writing for them), don't hesitate to seek guidance from college counselors or educational consultants.
The goal isn't to impress admissions officers with sophisticated language or adult perspectives. It's to give colleges insight into who your student is and how they think - in their own words.
Need Help?