So, you have thought long and hard about it, and you want to go to Harvard. Good for you! When it comes to applying to Harvard University, writing a successful application essay can be the key to standing out and securing your spot in the prestigious institution. Therefore, you need to write the best essay that you can, which is a bit of a daunting task!
Don’t worry, though. This guide will help you to see what is needed to write a successful application essay, so enjoy!
Be Authentic
Your application essay should reflect your true personality and character. Don’t try to impress the admissions committee with fabricated stories or exaggerations. Instead, write about your personal experiences, values, and goals. Let your unique voice shine through your writing, and if you are stuck on what to write or where to begin, see campusreel.org for advice on how to get into Harvard. This will show you how to write a fantastic admissions essay and will advise you on the qualities that the admissions team and Harvard itself are looking for.
Show, Don’t Tell
The admissions committee at Harvard is going to be looking for evidence of your achievements, leadership skills, and character traits. Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities. Aim to use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your life experiences and showcase your unique perspective. This will showcase not only your language skills but it will help you to paint a picture of yourself as someone who is able to work hard and will be an asset to the university.
Focus on Harvard
Make sure your essay is explicitly tailored to Harvard. Do your research and demonstrate your knowledge of the university’s values, programs, and opportunities without going overboard too much on what you know; remember, the essay is about you, not the university! Highlight how your interests align with Harvard’s mission and how you plan to contribute to the campus community.
Edit and Revise
As is with most things that need to be of high quality, don’t settle for your first draft. Take the time to edit and revise your essay. Read it out loud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing, and to avoid spelling mistakes, be sure to put it through an online word scanner like Grammarly. Try to have someone else read it and provide honest feedback, and as hard as it is, don’t take the feedback personally. You are trying! Remember, a well-crafted essay shows that you are diligent, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence.
Be Concise
Harvard’s application essay has a word limit of 650 words, so make every word count. Avoid rambling or repeating information that is already in your application. Stick to the prompts and focus on telling a straightforward, compelling story that showcases your strengths, values, and potential.
As before, it is helpful to have someone else read through your essay to make sure that it makes sense and flows well.
If you are struggling with where to begin, you should ask for help from someone at the university, a tutor, or someone online who is already attending Harvard. There are many blogs and online tutorials that can help here, but if you are really stuck, many students who are already at Harvard offer 1-to-1 tuition for those who are looking to write essays.
