Hey there! I'm applying to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I'd like to see some examples of essays that got accepted. Does anyone know where I can find these or are willing to share their own successful essays? It would really help me get a sense of the expectations!
Hello! CollegeVine does indeed have an example of an essay that helped a student gain acceptance to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a breakdown of what the essay did well and what could have been done even better: https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-wisconsin-madison-essay-examples.
It's important to remember, though, that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. While you can certainly use this example for inspiration, your goal should be crafting an essay that truly represents you and your experiences. The following tips will help you there:
1. Be authentic: Make sure your essay reflects your true self, not someone you think the admissions officers want to see. They can usually tell when applicants are not being genuine in their writing.
2. Choose a unique and personal topic: Rather than choosing a cliche topic, consider sharing a personal experience or something that has significantly shaped your life. This will help you stand out from other applicants.
3. Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language and vivid examples to engage your reader and effectively convey your point. Make your reader feel as if they're part of the experience, rather than just telling them what happened.
4. Be concise and organized: Clearly presenting your ideas and staying within the required word limit can be challenging, but doing so shows that you're able to think critically and communicate effectively.
5. Proofread and revise: Have multiple people read your essay, and take the time to revise and polish it. This can help ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. If you're not sure who to ask, keep in mind that CollegeVine offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors.
One final piece of advice: while discussing your extracurricular activities and accomplishments can be helpful, also focus on discussing your personality, interests, and values that make you unique. This way, admissions officers will learn more about who you are as a person, rather than just re-learning about the achievements and awards already described elsewhere in your application.
Best of luck with your application to UW-Madison!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.