Most private and a fair number of public colleges and universities require an essay of some type.  The essay is your opportunity to take charge of the information the college receives about you and to provide information that does not appear in grades, test scores, and other materials. 

One admissions director has expressed that “the essay is the student’s chance to make the application come alive.”  It allows you to reveal your intelligence, talent, sense of humor, enthusiasm, maturity, creativity, expressiveness, sincerity, and writing ability – traits which count in the admissions evaluation.

Essay Writing Tips

Common Application Essay Prompts