high school admission essay examples

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Mastering the art of crafting an impressive and compelling essay for your high school application that will make you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Applying for admission to a reputable high school is a momentous occasion that demands critical attention to detail. This pivotal step in a student’s academic journey necessitates possessing the ability to convey their unique qualities and attributes through a well-crafted application essay. A compelling essay has the potential to set the student apart from a vast pool of applicants, allowing admissions officers to catch a glimpse of their personality, interests, and aspirations. However, developing an outstanding high school application essay requires skillful writing, persuasive language, and astute storytelling techniques.

In order to captivate the reader’s attention, an application essay must possess an engaging introduction that seamlessly captures the essence of the student and their aspirations. This crucial section serves as the gateway for the admissions officer to explore the applicant’s personality and potential. An effective introduction should be concise and memorable, carefully outlining the main ideas that will be further developed throughout the essay. It should provide a glimpse into the applicant’s background, values, and areas of interest without giving away too much information upfront.

One vital aspect of crafting an exceptional application essay is to use vivid language and descriptive storytelling techniques. The student’s unique voice should shine through the narrative, making the essay not only informative but also highly engaging. The essay should evoke emotions and create imagery that transports the reader into the student’s world, allowing them to form a genuine connection with the applicant.

Tips for Creating a Strong High School Application Essay

When preparing your application for admission to a prestigious secondary school, it is essential to craft a compelling essay that showcases your unique qualities and highlights your potential as a student. In order to achieve this, here are some tips that will help you create a strong high school application essay:

By following these tips, you can create a strong high school application essay that will impress admissions officers and increase your chances of being accepted into your desired school.

Showcase your unique qualities and experiences

Highlighting the unique qualities and experiences that make you stand out is an essential part of writing a compelling high school application essay. By showcasing the aspects of your personality, skills, and background that set you apart from other applicants, you can make a memorable impression on the admissions committee.

First and foremost, take the time to reflect on what makes you unique. Consider your interests, talents, and passions, as well as any significant experiences that have shaped your character. These elements will serve as the foundation for crafting a compelling narrative that highlights your individuality.

One way to showcase your unique qualities is through storytelling. Use specific examples and anecdotes to bring your experiences to life and illustrate how they have influenced your growth and development. Whether it’s overcoming a personal challenge, pursuing an unconventional hobby, or demonstrating leadership in a social cause, stories provide a powerful way to convey your uniqueness.

In addition to storytelling, you can also showcase your unique qualities through your achievements and accomplishments. Highlight any awards, honors, or recognition you have received, as well as any leadership roles or contributions you have made to your community or school. This not only demonstrates your abilities and talents but also shows your commitment and dedication to making a positive impact.

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine through. Admissions committees value authenticity, so it’s important to be genuine and honest in your writing. Share your passions, quirks, and individual perspectives that make you who you are. This will help admissions officers get a sense of your character and determine if you would be a good fit for their school.

In conclusion, showcasing your unique qualities and experiences is crucial when writing a high school application essay. By reflecting on your individuality, using storytelling techniques, highlighting your achievements, and being authentic, you can create a compelling essay that sets you apart from other applicants and increases your chances of admission.

Be honest and authentic in your writing

When crafting your high school application essay, it is important to remember the significance of being sincere and genuine in your writing. Expressing your true self and showcasing your authentic voice can make your essay stand out from the rest.

Being honest in your essay means presenting your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations in a truthful manner. Instead of trying to impress the admissions committee with lofty achievements or exaggerated stories, focus on sharing genuine moments and insights that have shaped you as an individual.

Authenticity is about staying true to yourself and not trying to fit into a mold or meet certain expectations. Don’t be afraid to showcase your unique personality, interests, and perspectives. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through the words you choose and the stories you tell.

Admissions officers are looking for essays that reflect your true character and aspirations. They want to get to know you on a personal level, beyond grades and test scores. By being honest and authentic in your writing, you can create a connection with the reader and leave a lasting impression.

Remember, your high school application essay is an opportunity to showcase who you are and what you can bring to the school community. Being honest and authentic in your writing will not only make your essay more compelling, but it will also demonstrate your integrity and maturity as a student. So, let your true self shine through and make your essay a reflection of your genuine passion and aspirations.

Highlight your academic achievements

When it comes to your high school application essay, it is important to showcase your academic achievements in a way that sets you apart from other applicants. Your academic achievements demonstrate your dedication, intelligence, and potential for success in a high school setting.

One way to highlight your academic achievements is to list specific accolades and honors that you have received. This could include being on the honor roll, winning academic competitions, or receiving scholarships. By showcasing these accomplishments, you are showing the admissions committee that you are a high achiever and are committed to excellence in your studies.

In addition to listing specific awards, it is also important to provide some context for your academic achievements. For example, you could explain the difficulty of the classes you have taken or mention any advanced placement or honors courses you have completed. This helps the admissions committee understand the level of rigor you have experienced in your academic journey and demonstrates your ability to excel in challenging environments.

Another way to highlight your academic achievements is to discuss any research or projects you have undertaken. This could include independent research, science fair projects, or writing for academic publications. By showcasing your intellectual curiosity and willingness to go above and beyond the standard curriculum, you are demonstrating your passion for learning and your ability to think critically and creatively.

Finally, it is important to discuss any leadership roles or extracurricular activities that are related to academics. This could include being a tutor, serving as a class representative, or participating in academic clubs. By showing your involvement in these activities, you are demonstrating your commitment to fostering a positive academic environment and your ability to work well with others.

In conclusion, highlighting your academic achievements is a crucial part of your high school application essay. By showcasing your awards, providing context, discussing research or projects, and mentioning leadership roles, you are demonstrating your commitment to intellectual growth and your potential for success in a high school setting.

Discuss your extracurricular involvement and leadership roles

In this section, we will delve into your participation in extracurricular activities and your experiences in leadership roles. Your involvement beyond the classroom demonstrates your commitment, dedication, and ability to collaborate with others. These experiences can provide valuable insights into your character, skills, and values.

When discussing your extracurricular involvement, consider the clubs, organizations, or teams that you have been a part of. These could include academic clubs, sports teams, music groups, community service organizations, or any other activity that you have actively participated in. Highlight the roles you held, the responsibilities you had, and the impact you made. Share specific examples of projects or events you were involved in and how you contributed to their success.

Furthermore, reflect on any leadership roles you have undertaken. Leadership positions demonstrate your ability to take initiative, make decisions, and inspire others. These roles can include being a club president, team captain, committee chairperson, or any other position of authority. Discuss the challenges you faced, the strategies you implemented, and the outcomes you achieved. Emphasize how your leadership skills have grown and how you have positively influenced those around you.

Additionally, highlight any recognition or awards you have received for your extracurricular involvement or leadership roles. If you have been recognized for your achievements by your peers, school, or community, mention those accomplishments and how they have contributed to your growth as an individual.

Remember to showcase your passion for the activities you were involved in and how they have shaped your character and values. Discuss the lessons you have learned, the skills you have gained, and the personal growth you have experienced through your extracurricular involvement and leadership roles.

Show your passion and enthusiasm for learning

One of the key elements to writing a strong high school application essay is to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for learning. Admissions committees are looking for students who are not only academically capable but who also have a genuine love for learning and a curiosity to explore new topics and ideas. By showcasing your passion and enthusiasm, you can make your essay stand out and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

When writing your essay, it’s important to convey your passion through your words and examples. Instead of simply stating that you love learning, provide specific examples of how you have pursued your interests and gone above and beyond in your studies. Talk about a specific project, book, or subject that has sparked your curiosity and explain how you have taken the initiative to delve deeper into the topic.

In addition to providing examples of your passion for learning, it’s also important to express your enthusiasm in your writing style. Use language that conveys your excitement and energy, and avoid sounding too formal or detached. Let your enthusiasm shine through in your words, allowing the reader to feel your genuine excitement and love for learning.

Finally, use your essay as an opportunity to share your aspirations and goals for the future. Talk about how your passion for learning has influenced your career or academic goals and how you hope to continue pursuing your interests in high school and beyond. By demonstrating your long-term commitment to learning, you can show the admissions committee that you are not just applying to high school out of obligation, but because you genuinely want to further your education and continue expanding your knowledge.

Overall, showing your passion and enthusiasm for learning is an essential component of a strong high school application essay. By providing specific examples, expressing your enthusiasm in your writing style, and sharing your future aspirations, you can make a compelling case for why you would be a valuable addition to the school’s community of learners.

Conclude with a memorable statement that leaves an impression

As you reach the end of your high school application essay, it is crucial to leave a lasting impression on the readers. Your concluding statement should be carefully crafted to summarize your key points and emphasize your suitability for the school.

One effective way to conclude your essay is by highlighting your unique qualities and how they make you a valuable addition to the school community. You can focus on your leadership skills, passion for learning, or commitment to community service. By showcasing these attributes, you will leave a memorable impression on the admissions committee.

Another approach is to reflect on your personal growth throughout your high school years and how this growth has prepared you for the challenges of the future. Discuss any obstacles you have overcome and the valuable lessons you have learned from them. This will demonstrate your resilience and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

To make your concluding statement even more memorable, consider including a thought-provoking question or an inspiring quote. This will leave the reader with something to ponder upon and showcase your intellectual curiosity. It shows that you are not only interested in your own personal growth but also in engaging with larger issues and ideas.

In summary, your concluding statement is an opportunity to leave a strong and lasting impression on the reader. By highlighting your unique qualities, reflecting on personal growth, and including a thought-provoking question or quote, you can ensure that your essay stands out and leaves a lasting impact on the admissions committee.

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Sample Student Essay for Private High School Admissions

Student essays are an important part of the private high school admissions process for students in New York City. While information like grades and test scores can help an admissions committee evaluate a student’s raw performance, essays are a key way for students to demonstrate their unique voice and personality. Treat student essays like mini interviews: they’re a chance to let admissions committees really get to know the student. 

We recommend starting student essay drafts as soon as possible (in the summer or early fall) to allow plenty of time for a thoughtful drafting process. One of the first steps to begin drafting essays is to identify the prompt(s) to write about. Students may have a variety of prompts to choose from, or they may be given a specific prompt. This depends on the student’s age (middle versus high school) and whether the school they’re applying to is an ISAAGNY member school or not. 

Here are several example essay prompts from the past: 

• Describe a family tradition and why it is meaningful or important to you. 
• What is a topic/skill that you learned about within the past year that was not assigned to you in school?
• What brings you joy? What activities, pursuits, or interests have made you happiest over the past few months or years, and why?
• What activity/interest or accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
• Tell us about a time you were brave. 

Regardless of prompt, we encourage students to write about a subject that genuinely interests them and feels rich and dynamic enough to write several paragraphs about. Essays are a way to show off creative writing skills, but make sure that essays present a consistent application narrative and a relatively consistent application of writing voice (across each essay, graded writing samples , etc.). 

When approaching the student essay writing process, reading a sample essay is one of the most helpful ways to begin brainstorming. Here’s a sample student essay for private high school admissions that effectively provides a window into the student’s passions and way of thinking. 

*Note that this is a fictional sample, not a real student essay. 

Sample Private High School Admissions Essay

Prompt: What is your favorite work of art (visual, written, musical, etc.)? Why is it meaningful to you?

“If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint,” is a famous quote by artist Edward Hopper that has always inspired me. I’m naturally drawn to Hopper’s distinctive style of concrete, representational scenes; he was a master at manipulating light to create striking contrast and focus. But I appreciate Hopper’s art for more than just aesthetic choices; I connect deeply to Hopper’s intent to communicate memories and feelings through art. As a budding artist myself, my goal is to inspire real nostalgia and emotion with my paintings, the same way that Hopper’s works do for me. 

For example, Hopper’s “House By The Railroad,” completed in 1925, brings back many memories for me. The painting depicts a grand Victorian home with railroad tracks nearly underneath it. Like many of Hopper’s works, the scene is inspired by Hopper’s hometown of Nyack, New York, which happens to be the same town my grandparents live in. Even just a quick glance at the painting reminds me of walking up to my grandparents home in the summertime to greet them standing on the large front porch. Their home was situated not far from railroad tracks in Nyack, similar to the house in the painting. Whenever I see the piece, I’m reminded of the happy memories I’ve created at my grandparents’ home: eating grilled cheese and tomato soup on the front porch with my grandmother, hearing the train to Manhattan go by in the distance, and other everyday pleasures. 

In fact, from an early age, my grandparents encouraged my interest in Hopper’s art. My grandfather brought me to Hopper’s childhood home, which has since been turned into a museum, for the first time when I was ten years old. I still remember feeling awed as a young girl just being in the home of such a renowned artist; we visited his childhood bedroom and the spaces that eventually became subjects of his artwork, and I was inspired to find artistic inspiration in my own immediate surroundings. 

That’s clearly what Hopper aimed to do. I love that so much of Edward Hopper’s art captures standard American life. While many of Hopper’s paintings are of everyday scenes (homes, bedrooms, and more), his use of light and positioning of human figures adds nostalgic character to even the most mundane of scenes. Hopper’s art can teach us that even day-to-day moments can be striking and noteworthy. 

I recently visited an exhibition on Edward Hopper at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. Again, I found myself drawn to “House By The Railroad,” and other paintings that depict houses and restaurants and other run-of-the-mill spaces, made distinctive and beautiful with Hopper’s earnest, light-filled approach. Seeing Hopper’s art again in person brought back many memories and feelings for me, many of them from carefree days with my grandparents in Nyack. Someday, I hope to be able to evoke similar emotion through my own artwork.

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High School Essay

High school essay generator.

Navigating the complexities of High School Essay writing can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our guide, infused with diverse essay examples , is designed to simplify this journey for students. High school essays are a crucial part of academic development, allowing students to express their thoughts, arguments, and creativity. With our examples, students learn to structure their essays effectively, develop strong thesis statements, and convey their ideas with clarity and confidence, paving the way for academic success.

It is a good way to practice every student’s writing skills in writing which they might find useful when they reach college. Others might even be inspired to continue writing and take courses that are related to it.

When you are in high school, it is definite that you are expected to do some write-ups and projects which require pen and paper. Yes. You heard that right. Your teachers are going to let you write a lot of things starting from short stories to other things like expository essays. However, do not be intimidated nor fear the things that I have just said. It is but a normal part of being a student to write things. Well, take it from me. As far as I can recall, I may have written about a hundred essays during my entire high school years or maybe more. You may also see what are the parts of an essay?

What is High School Essay?

High School Essay Bundle

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High School Essay Format

Opening remarks.

Greeting : Start with a warm and respectful greeting to address the audience and set a positive tone. Introduction : Briefly introduce the purpose of your essay, outlining what you intend to discuss or explore. Be clear and direct, allowing your readers to understand the direction of your argument.

Body of the Essay

Purpose : Explain the main objective of the essay. Clarify the topic being discussed and why it is important or relevant to your audience. Keep the introduction concise while ensuring it captures attention.

Acknowledgments

Key Figures : Recognize any important figures, events, or ideas that play a significant role in the essay. This could be historical figures, concepts from literature, or notable advancements in the topic you are covering.   Supporting Details : Provide in-depth analysis of the key points. Each paragraph should focus on one specific idea, supported by evidence such as facts, examples, or quotes.   Counterarguments : Acknowledge differing opinions or perspectives. Present these viewpoints and explain why your argument remains valid or superior.   Additional Insights : Introduce any relevant contributions from experts or key findings that reinforce your main argument. Offer further discussion on how these points add depth to the topic.

Closing Remarks

Summarize : Recap the essential points discussed in the essay. Reiterate your argument or thesis, ensuring that it ties together all the evidence and ideas you have presented.   Final Thoughts : Offer concluding thoughts that reflect on the broader significance of your topic. Leave the reader with something to think about, perhaps posing a question or suggesting future areas of exploration.   Farewell : End with a respectful closure, reinforcing the purpose of your essay and its overall message, ensuring that the reader feels the argument has been effectively concluded.

High School Essay Example

The Importance of Education in Shaping the Future Education is often regarded as the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. It plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. While it is widely acknowledged that education helps people to pursue their professional goals, its impact extends far beyond career preparation. It shapes individuals’ character, fosters critical thinking, and encourages responsible citizenship, all of which contribute to building a better future.   One of the key ways education shapes the future is through the development of critical thinking skills. In a world filled with information, individuals must be able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize knowledge effectively. Education empowers students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. This ability to think critically is essential not only in academic settings but also in everyday life. For example, in a democratic society, an educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions about political matters, understand global issues, and engage in meaningful discussions.   Moreover, education promotes social responsibility and ethical behavior. Schools do not just teach academic subjects; they also play a significant role in instilling values such as integrity, respect, and empathy. These values are fundamental in fostering a harmonious society. Through education, students learn the importance of working together, appreciating diversity, and contributing to the welfare of their communities. By shaping the moral compass of future generations, education ensures that people are not only knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate, and committed to the greater good.   In addition to personal growth, education also drives societal progress. It has the power to break cycles of poverty, improve public health, and promote economic development. In many countries, access to education has been a critical factor in reducing inequality and promoting social mobility. By investing in education, societies can cultivate a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, educated citizens are more likely to engage in civic activities, volunteer for community service, and participate in the democratic process, thereby strengthening the social fabric.   While education offers numerous benefits, challenges such as unequal access to quality education persist. Many students around the world still face barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and communities to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and prosperous world for future generations.

Short High School Essay

Why Education Matters Education is vital for personal growth and the development of society. It provides the foundation for acquiring knowledge, skills, and values that help individuals succeed in life. Through education, people learn to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. These abilities are essential in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.   Beyond academics, education instills important life values such as respect, responsibility, and empathy. Schools not only teach facts but also shape students’ character, preparing them to be productive and ethical members of society. Education also drives economic and social progress, as it opens doors to better job opportunities and helps reduce inequality.   While access to quality education remains a challenge for many, it is a crucial investment in both individual success and societal advancement. Ultimately, education empowers people to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

High School Essay for College Students

High School Essay on Sports

High School Experience Essay

More High School Essay Examples and Samples

• High School College Essay
• High School Essay for Scholarship
• High School Essay on Agriculture
• High School Argumentative Essay
• Private High School Essay
• High School Persuasive Essay
• High School Admission Essay
• High School Narrative Essay
• High School Personal Essay

High School Essay Examples & Templates

High school self introduction essay template.

Sample High School Essay

Reflective High School Essay

How to Write High School Essay?

Writing a high school essay involves clear structure, logical flow, and proper argumentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Understand the Assignment

Read the prompt carefully and ensure you understand the topic. Identify the essay type (e.g., narrative, argumentative, persuasive).

Research and Gather Information

Use credible sources for research if needed. Take notes on key points to include in your essay.

Create an Outline

Introduction : Start with a hook, introduce your topic, and include a clear thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Organize your main points logically. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and include evidence or examples. Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate the thesis without introducing new information.

Write the Essay

Introduction : Capture the reader’s attention with an interesting opening, and end with your thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Begin each with a topic sentence, provide evidence or examples, and explain their relevance to your thesis. Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis and the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Revise and Proofread

Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure your thesis is supported by your arguments.

Types of High School Essay

High school essays can be categorized into several types based on their purpose and structure. Here are the most common types:

1. Narrative Essay

• Purpose : To tell a story or recount an experience.
• Features : First-person point of view, descriptive details, and a clear sequence of events.
• Example : Writing about a memorable event in your life.

2. Descriptive Essay

• Purpose : To describe a person, place, thing, or event in detail.
• Features : Uses sensory details and vivid descriptions.
• Example : Describing a beautiful sunset or a significant object.

3. Expository Essay

• Purpose : To explain a concept or provide information about a topic.
• Features : Clear organization, facts, and logical explanations.
• Example : Explaining how photosynthesis works.

4. Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay

• Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument.
• Features : Strong thesis, logical arguments, and evidence to support claims.
• Example : Arguing why school uniforms should be mandatory.

5. Compare and Contrast Essay

• Purpose : To highlight the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
• Features : Uses comparison and contrast structure.
• Example : Comparing the educational systems of two countries.

6. Cause and Effect Essay

• Purpose : To analyze the causes of an event and its effects.
• Features : Discusses both causes and consequences in a logical order.
• Example : Exploring the causes and effects of climate change.

7. Analytical Essay

• Purpose : To analyze a text, event, or concept in depth.
• Features : Critical thinking, interpretation, and evaluation of ideas.
• Example : Analyzing the themes in a novel or play.

Importance of High School Essay

High school essays are important for several reasons that go beyond simply earning grades. Here are the key benefits:

1. Develops Critical Thinking

• Writing essays encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, sharpening their ability to think critically.

2. Improves Writing Skills

• Regular essay writing helps students enhance their grammar, vocabulary, and overall communication skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

3. Enhances Research Abilities

• Essays often require gathering information from various sources, teaching students how to research effectively, verify facts, and cite sources properly.

4. Teaches Organization

• Structuring essays with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion helps students develop a clear, logical flow in their arguments, which is critical in both academic and professional writing.

5. Prepares for Higher Education

• Essays are a key component of college applications and college-level assignments. High school essay practice prepares students for the more advanced writing tasks they will encounter in higher education.

6. Boosts Creativity

• Through descriptive and narrative essays, students can express their creativity and explore different ways of presenting ideas and stories.

7. Builds Persuasion and Argumentation Skills

• Persuasive essays help students learn how to present strong, reasoned arguments and defend their viewpoints, a vital skill in debates, discussions, and everyday life.

8. Improves Time Management

• Writing essays requires planning, outlining, drafting, and revising, helping students develop time management skills as they work within deadlines.

Tips for High School Essay

Here are some key tips for writing a high school essay:

• Understand the prompt : Read the assignment carefully to know exactly what’s expected.
• Plan before writing : Outline your main ideas and structure.
• Create a strong thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or point.
• Use clear topic sentences : Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis.
• Provide evidence : Use facts, examples, and quotes to support your arguments.
• Stay organized : Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
• Revise and proofread : Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity issues.
• Write a compelling conclusion : Summarize key points and reinforce your thesis without introducing new information.

What makes a good high school essay?

A good high school essay features a clear thesis, coherent structure, compelling evidence, and personal insights, all presented in a polished, grammatically correct format.

How long should high school essay be?

The length varies based on the assignment, but high school essays are generally between 500–1,000 words.

How many paragraphs should a high school essay have?

Most high school essays have 5 paragraphs: one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion. However, this can vary depending on the assignment.

What tone should I use in a high school essay?

Maintain a formal, academic tone. Avoid slang, casual language, and overly complex or overly simple sentences.

What should be included in a high school essay?

A typical essay includes: An introduction with a thesis statement Body paragraphs with supporting evidence A conclusion that summarizes the main points

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a High School Essay on the importance of participating in sports.

Discuss the role of student government in high schools in a High School Essay.

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How to Write High School Admissions Essays

A key part of the high school admissions process is writing essays. For me, these essays were the chief part of the application and the thing I placed the most emphasis on. These essays would vary in length, question type, and style, but through my time applying to high school, I found there were three universal steps that helped my writing. I continue to use these three criteria in my normal essays and know they can help you write your high school essays for applications. Here are the three criteria I use for my essays. 

Organize Central Idea and Supporting Points 

To effectively answer an essay question, you have to come up with a central idea that you build upon. For instance, if a question asks you how you would contribute to the culture of the school, your character could be your central idea. From there, you can build upon your character by explaining what makes it up such as integrity and discipline. This support for your main idea is key in all essays. If you really want to answer the prompt well, center your thoughts around the main idea. This will not only make your writing better but easier to think through. 

Communicate Effectively With Your Style

As I said before, high school essays cover many kinds of topics, and it can sometimes be difficult to accurately assess how to answer each particular question. Once you think through the question and think of your central idea and supporting points, you need to figure out how to effectively get your point across in your writing style. You may want to introduce your central idea and then list your supporting points then analysis. Or you may want to introduce your central idea and weave in analysis and support together. How you write your essay should vary on each type of question, but if you figure out your writing style after you organize your ideas, writing essays becomes much easier.   

Final Outline 

After you organize your central idea, supporting points, and writing style, you want to put them all together into an outline before actually writing the essay. An outline helps organize everything you want to say in your essay. It serves as a draft that you follow when writing. Outlines can help you identify where you want to break ideas up or where to put each idea you came up with. Essentially, outlines are a final check for your essay plan and help you organize everything you want to say in your essay 

If you follow these three steps, writing high school admissions essays will become much easier to write and think through. I still use these three criteria to write essays because these skills are universal. These will not only help you get into high school but also strengthen your writing for years to come. 

Jacob Brucker is a senior at Xavier High School in NYC. He is an editor of the school newspaper Xavier Review, loves to spend time outdoors, and enjoys journalistic writing. 

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Recommendation letters are a key aspect of high school applications and are a great way to demonstrate your character and abilities from another perspective. While not mandatory in some schools, it’s highly encouraged and should be seen as a requirement. But, who do you ask for a recommendation letter? Choosing who to ask is very important and should be someone that has seen your growth as a student. Most schools usually require at least one recommendation letter from a core teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies, etc) and one letter from either another teacher, mentor, coach, or counselor. So after making a list of potential candidates take some time to consider a very important question. “Who knows you the most?”. If you choose a candidate that barely knows you, their letter may sound disingenuous and phony. So when selecting a recommender, you should consider someone who has had a significant impact on your life and should be someone who knows you both academically and personally and can attest to your abilities, interests, achievements, and growth.

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