Hey everyone, I'm stressing out a bit because I'm working on my Stanford application and I'm not sure how to approach the roommate essay. I know it's supposed to give a glimpse into my personality and interests, but what are some do's and don'ts for this essay topic? Any tips or examples would be so helpful! Thanks in advance.
Hey there! Don't worry, I completely understand how tough it can be to approach this essay. The good news is that it's meant to be a fun and casual way for the admissions team to get to know you better. Remember, the goal is to show your personality, so make sure your response truly reflects who you are as a person.
DO:
1. Be genuine and authentic. Write in a conversational tone and share your interests, hobbies, quirks, and experiences that make you unique.
2. Keep your response focused. Choose a few key points to share about yourself instead of trying to cover everything. Quality over quantity!
3. Show your sense of humor (if that's your style, of course). A little wit can go a long way in making your essay engaging.
4. Use specific examples. Show, don't just tell, the reader what's interesting about you. Incorporate anecdotes that demonstrate your interests or experiences.
DON'T:
1. Overthink it too much. The essay is meant to be more casual, so embrace that and write in a natural tone.
2. Overshare. While it's great to be open, be mindful of what you're sharing and make sure it's appropriate for a college application.
3. Be overly cliché. Avoid writing about extremely common interests, like your love of Netflix or coffee, unless you can put a unique spin on it.
4. Make it a brag sheet. Don't use this essay as an opportunity to list accomplishments. Focus on who you are as a person, not just what you've done.
For instance, you might start with a fun anecdote about a time you and your friends had a DIY sushi night and how that reflects your love for creativity and trying new things. From there, you can transition to discussing hobbies like painting or photography and how you'd love to explore these passions with your roommate by attending art exhibits in the area or collaborating on a project.
Remember, there isn't a right or wrong way to approach this essay as long as you're being true to yourself. Best of luck with your Stanford application!
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