Hi guys! I'm applying to Stanford and I'm really stressed about the roommate essay. Can someone give me a few tips on what to include and how to make it feel genuine and unique? Thanks a lot!
Hi there! No worries, I'm here to help you with some tips to make your Stanford roommate essay genuine and unique.
1. Be true to yourself: When writing the essay, it's essential to be authentic. Write about things you genuinely enjoy, your habits, and quirks that make you who you are. Try to convey your personality and character in a friendly, conversational tone.
2. Engage your reader: Begin your essay with an interesting and engaging opener—an anecdote, a question, or a surprising fact. This will not only capture the attention of your (hypothetical) roommate, but also the admissions officer.
3. Show, don't tell: Instead of merely stating your interests, hobbies, or characteristics, demonstrate them by providing specific examples, details, or experiences that showcase your personality.
4. Make it conversational: The roommate essay should be written as if you're talking to a new friend, so keep the tone casual, friendly, and even a bit humorous if it comes naturally to you. Refrain from using overly formal language or any jargon.
5. Maintain balance: Since this essay is about showcasing your personality, strike a balance between personal and academic interests. Mention how your hobbies and activities have contributed to your growth, both inside and outside the classroom.
6. Avoid clichés: Steer clear of cliché topics or statements, which can make your essay feel generic. Try to come up with unique and fresh ideas, as this is your opportunity to give the admissions officer an insight into the person behind the application.
7. Be concise: While you want to provide enough details to make your essay engaging, avoid overloading it with long-winded explanations or anecdotes. Keep it focused and relevant, as there's a word limit you'll need to adhere to.
8. Proofread and edit: Last but not least, make sure to thoroughly proofread your essay for any errors, inconsistencies, or awkward phrasings. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to read it and offer feedback or suggestions.
An example of how to frame an essay topic could be your passion for baking. Instead of simply stating that you love to bake, share an anecdote about the time you baked dozens of cookies for your classmates during finals season as a stress-reliever, and talk about how you're excited to share this hobby with your new roommate at Stanford.
There are a couple examples of this essay in this blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/stanford-essay-example
Remember, this essay is your chance to paint a picture of who you are to your future roommate—and the admissions committee. So, be genuine, engaging, and let your personality shine through. Good luck!
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.