Hey college admission committee, would you admit me into your school if I started my letter like this?
“A challenge I experienced that has shaped me into the person I am today is to never give up on my dreams…”.
After working on several college interest/admission letters, I learned that the most important part of the letter is the first sentence. Before becoming a writer, I remember struggling with this in my essays but that was until I told myself this…
Just speak your mind and get straight the story.
In other words, don’t beat around the bush or try to cultivate a philosophical quote, just think aloud.
For example | If the prompt is: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”
I would start out like this: “If I didn’t come across that free guitar, I wouldn’t believe that magic was real”.
That sentence not only captivates the reader but will allow you to elaborate on your experience. You can do this by highlighting The 5 W’s:
- When? | “Two years ago, during a blazing hot summer, I was returning home from a leisure walk…”
- Where? | “That evening I decided to change my usual route. Only four houses away from my home, I found an object leaning against a tree.”
- Who? | “I found the guitar…duh”
- What? | “The instrument looked exactly as I imagined it to be; however, the only flaw was one broken string and scratches in various areas but otherwise, perfect.”
- How? | “I discovered it leaning against a tree with the sign ‘for free’ taped on it.”.
- Why? | “This was shocking to me because I made a wish for a free guitar a few days prior.
You don’t have to answer all of the 5 W’s, just pick the ones that aren’t repetitive and that feel strong to you. What makes this useful is that it will paint a picture for the reader. This will also lead you to correlate the memory with who you are today.
For instance, the story highlights the importance of identity. Colleges love students who believe that anything is possible and that they are capable of succeeding. That means their sense of identity is being optimistic. Who wouldn’t want a magical person like that in their school? Forget coincidence, it’s a mindset and you may even inspire the reader too.
Writing a college letter can be challenging but that’s why I work with students to make it interesting and easy. I help them write letters that showcase who they are by highlighting pivotal moments in their journey.
Hi, my name is Yani and I am a writer. I worked on countless letters that got students into their dream schools. I know how to craft strong letters because I earned my B.A in English from Spelman College. Students deserve to know what it feels like to have their dreams come true. So, if you are ready to get into your dream college, contact me and let’s make it happen.