Blog posts on college admissions by Arjun Seth
Sanjana Arora (McGill '17) gives advice to future applicants
It is best not to let yourself be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that needs to be put in the applications. I decided to apply abroad only a month and a half before my pre-boards and the only reason I was able to complete on time was because I didn’t allow myself to get discouraged along the way.
Ratnika Prasad (Cornell) answers questions regarding brand value and right-fit.
I think the core curriculum is one of the areas where American schools
score over Indian ones. I do think there is a lot of value in having
to take classes across a broad spectrum of fields and I know many, many
people who end up majoring in something different from what they
decided after taking a class they loved. So don't be shy about
exploring subjects you know nothing about or revisiting those you
might have dropped after Class 10.
Shruti’s personal essay and comments on why she thinks its so awful!
This personal statement helps admissions officers become acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will demonstrate your ability to organize thoughts and express yourself. The are looking for an essay that will help them know you better as a person and as a student.
Words to the wise about writing college application essays
Write about something you care about, some quirk or habit or interest that defines you in ways not obvious from the rest of your application. One of my children wrote about his Little League coaching. One described her talent for identifying a song on the radio from the first few notes. One explained why he loved Howard Stern.
On writer's block
While hiking to Triund (Himachal Pradesh) in 2010 I stopped and took this picture. A fallen and chipped tree trunk was blocking our path, almost begging to be restored to its glorious past, before it let us pass. At that moment I did not know that I’d end up posting this picture on my blog while writing about writer’s block- but what the heck, here I go.
On writing college admissions essays
Sending out thoughtful writing samples for college admissions are important and helps differentiate you in the admissions process. Use this blog and learn how to develop your writing voice and write essays that make that difference.