How to Improve Your College Essays and Application at the Last Minute

1. Create an “Almost Done” Document️

• What to Include:
• Personal Statement
• Activities List
• Additional Info Section
• Supplemental Essays
• Why:
• Organizes your materials in one place for a final review.
• Helps you see your application from an admissions officer's perspective.
• Example: Almost Done Doc Template.
• Time Needed: ~5 minutes.

2. Up-Level the Verbs in Your Activities List

• Steps:
• Highlight all action verbs in your Activities List.
• Replace generic verbs with stronger, more dynamic ones.
• Example:
• Weak: "Helped set up events."
• Improved: "Orchestrated logistics for school-wide events, enhancing participation by 25%."
• Time Needed: ~10 minutes.

3. Review Your Additional Information Section ✍️

• Purpose:
• Provide context or details not included elsewhere.
• Share relevant personal challenges, achievements, or explanations.
• Suggestions:
• Include key accomplishments or skills not covered elsewhere.
• Avoid filler—this section is optional, so only add meaningful content.

4. Address the COVID-19 Impact Section

• When to Use:
• To explain challenges or growth related to the pandemic.
• How to Write:
• Address:
  • Challenges you faced.
  • Their effects on you or your family.
  • How you adapted or overcame them.
  • Lessons learned.
• Alternatively, highlight values you connected with during this time (e.g., resilience, adaptability).

5. Fine-Tune Your Personal Statement

If not about overcoming a challenge, ensure:

• Clear Topic: Is your main idea evident
• Strong Examples: Are examples specific and visual
• Values: Are values clearly demonstrated
• Insights: Are there 2-3 moments answering “so what?”

If about overcoming a challenge, ensure:

• Challenges: Are they compelling and clearly stated
• Effects: Are the impacts of the challenges explained
• Actions: Did you show how you overcame the challenges

• Lessons: Are takeaways or growth articulated

Bonus Tip: Strengthen Your “Why Us” Essay

• Goal:
• Demonstrate fit.
• Show research.
• Stand out.
• How:
• Remove generic statements (e.g., “I love your beautiful campus”).
• Add specific details about programs or opportunities that connect to your interests.
• Example:
• Weak: “I want to join your study abroad program.”
• Strong: “Your language immersion program in Granada aligns with my goal of becoming a translator for international NGOs.”

Remember: for Early Applicants ⏳

• Feeling Stressed? Ask:
• “Can I show my best self with the time remaining?”
• If unsure, consult your school counselor about switching to Regular Decision.
• Reminder: Focus on what you can control. One step at a time.

Take a deep breath—you’ve got this!

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