Harvard Common App essay advice?

Hey! I'm applying to Harvard this year and I'm trying to craft my Common App essay. I know it needs to be stellar, so any advice on how to make the essay really stand out? Any specific topics or angles that might work well for Harvard? Thanks for the help!

Hey there! It's awesome that you're applying to Harvard and working hard on your Common App essay. While I can't suggest a specific topic since it depends on your unique experiences and passions, I can offer some general tips to help your essay stand out.

1. Focus on your "spike": Harvard is looking for students with a highly-developed specialty or passion. Consider writing about an area in which you've shown significant accomplishment, determination, or personal growth. Focus on how this passion has shaped you and helped you develop your character.

2. Showcase your intellectual curiosity: Harvard values students who are passionate about learning and have a deep curiosity about the world. Share a thought-provoking question or an intellectual challenge you've faced and how you pursued it, showing your commitment to learning.

3. Emphasize your uniqueness: Remember that Harvard reviewers read thousands of essays, so try to tell a unique story that only you can tell. Avoid cliché topics like moving schools, sports victories, or a typical immigrant's story. Instead, focus on a singular experience or a niche interest that will make you memorable.

4. Be authentic: Be genuine about your experiences and emotions. Don't try to present yourself as perfect or use language that doesn't sound like you. Admissions officers can sense when an essay isn't sincere, and being genuine is more impactful than trying to sound profound.

5. Be introspective: A key factor that distinguishes great essays from good ones is deep introspection. Show your thought process and how you've evolved as a person through a particular experience. Reflect on specific moments, behaviors, or decisions and how they have shaped your values and understanding of yourself.

6. Write with a strong voice and engaging style: A well-written essay with thoughtful word choices and vivid descriptions will engage the reader and make your story more memorable. Vary your sentence structure and polish your grammar and punctuation to make your essay enjoyable to read.

Lastly, it never hurts to get feedback from trusted individuals, like teachers, counselors, or friends who know you well. They can offer valuable perspectives on how effectively your essay captures your personality and highlights your strengths. Just make sure to give yourself enough time for revisions and polishing before submitting your application!