September 8, 2024For Admission Committees, the College Essay is a Window to Your WorldHello Reader, Welcome to September and the new academic year. Unfortunately here in the United States, with the new school year comes another tragic episode of gun violence and a mass shooting at a school. If you care about ending the epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. especially in schools, I highly recommend this organization. Our hearts go out to the victims of this latest episode and their families. Welcome to the latest edition of the College Fully Funded newsletter! This month we are focusing on admission essays. We'll delve into the world of college essays (or admission essays), explore their purpose, types, and how they play a crucial role in shaping your admissions journey. Your college essay is especially important if you want to get admission with full funding. That is why I consider it the most important component of the college application. Unveiling Your Essence: The Purpose of the College EssayAt the heart of the college application process lies the college essay – a unique opportunity for you to shine a light on your individuality, passions, and character. Regardless of the specific essay prompt, its ultimate aim is to unveil the real you, beyond grades and achievements. The admissions committee wants to understand what makes you tick, what drives your passions, and the essence of your personality. Your essay is a medium for them to hear your voice, to understand your spirit, and to delve into your unique character. It is also a chance for them to know how good of a writer you are. Your Story, Your Canvas: The Essay PromptImagine the essay prompt as a canvas, inviting you to paint a vivid portrait of yourself. No matter the specific question posed, the admissions committee is essentially asking, "Tell us more about yourself." Therefore, this is your chance to elaborate on aspects of your life that aren't reflected in your academic or leadership records or other parts of your application. Your essay is where your voice comes alive, where your narrative unfolds, and where you can exhibit your writing ability. Diverse Pathways: Types of College Admission EssaysCollege admission essays come in various flavors, with the goal of eliciting the essence of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of applicants. There is of course the main college essay, which is usually 500 to 600 words or no more than two pages. Some colleges also have supplemental essays around 200 to 250 words. These shorter supplemental essays are equally important. While the list below is not exhaustive, we'll explore some common types of college essays to give you a head start:
Crafting Your Masterpiece: Tips for SuccessCreating a compelling college essay requires time, effort, and introspection. Here are a few essential tips to help you craft a standout piece:
Final ThoughtsThe college admission essay is a pivotal part of your application journey, offering a window into your world that transcends grades and activities. It's a canvas upon which you can paint your story, aspirations, and uniqueness. Embrace this opportunity to make a lasting impression and to let your individuality shine. Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our upcoming newsletters and emails as we continue to explore this very important part of the admission process. Remember, your words have the power to shape your future, and especially to win you admission with full funding. AnnouncementsHere are some announcements to keep in mind:
I hope you have a great week ahead. To college fully funded,
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I am a college professor and the creator CFF College Fully Funded™ and GradSchool Fully Funded. We help ambitious students, find, apply, and get into U.S. colleges/universities and graduate programs with full funding in order to avoid debt. Please use the links in the Links tab to learn more about me, our programs, or to connect. You can also read a few samples of previous editions of my twice monthly newsletter via the Posts link. If you would like to receive the newsletter on all things college admissions and funding, please subscribe below. To email me: collegefullyfunded@gmail.com .
September 13, 2025 What Will it Take? Hello Reader and happy September! 🍂 As the school year kicks into full swing, we know that students and families are carrying a heavier question than ever: Is college without debt really possible? For many families, the financial side of higher education feels overwhelming: Some simply cannot afford to pay out of pocket without relying on loans. Others worry they earn “too much” to qualify for traditional financial aid, yet “too little” to comfortably...
Hello Reader, If you have been reading my emails and newsletters and following my work, you know that powerful and compelling recommendation letters are necessary for college admission with full funding. It is a fundamental part of the CFF framework. But how do you request powerful and compelling recommendation letters? Watch the video snippet below as I explain it in a live coaching session to CFF students. Registration for the Fall 2025 session of CFF College Fully Funded®, our college...
July 13, 2025 What Should Families Do about High College Costs? Hello Reader, I hope you are having a good weekend. As a subscriber to this newsletter you are interested in college admissions and you know that college costs have skyrocketed over the last few decades. In fact we are now at a point that most people cannot afford college without taking on huge debt. This is because as college costs have increased astronomically, household incomes have not kept pace. To deal with this problem,...