#hcbu

All colleges are different, and I can't, in no way, shape or form, speak for every college's admission process and office.

That said, look up the college(s) that you intend to apply to and sign up for an account at least a year before you graduate or plan to transfer.

Do that by clicking apply. No, you're not applying but start the application process. It puts your information and email into their system. They will email you information on when they are accepting applications. I suggest this mostly because colleges frequently will have free submission periods.

The application essay:

When applying, your essay should basically be similar to a braided essay and/or a statement of purpose.

A braided essay combines two or more different subjects into one essay. A personal story + academic goals.

FYI: If you have mental health issues: Leave it out. Unfortunately, "I have mental health issues" equals "I am unlikely to finish my program" to admissions.

Your essay should be at least 500 words minimum. You’re not writing a formal statement of purpose, those are usually much longer and have to follow a specific format set by the professor/program. For this essay, just focus on keeping your essay around four or five paragraphs long. Make sure it's New Times Roman and double spaced on a google Word document.

What to include?

Introduction/Hook.

Experiences, such as personal challenges, achievements, lessons learned.

Beliefs, ambitions, and goals.

Use of "I": This is a personal narrative, not a fictional story, so using "I" is needed.

Why are you choosing that degree?

"I've always liked xyz" is unnecessary, it's implied. You need to be more specific. What moment made you want to go into that field? Or who made you? It doesn't have to be some grand story or anything life changing.

Here are some examples of your hook. This is apart of your introduction and it is supposed to grab the attention of your readers.

A more complex example:

"We the People" comprises the first three words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. The Japanese Constitution, formed post–World War II, also features this iconic phrase that symbolizes the ultimate sovereignty of its people. Observing how both the United States and Japanese constitutions articulate the sovereignty of the people sparked my interest in constitutional law and comparative legal systems. As someone who is both Japanese and African American, these constitutional ideals resonate with me on a deeply personal level. Growing up between two cultures that have each grappled with questions of justice, equality, and national identity has strengthened my desire to study law and contribute to a legal system that more fully reflects the voices of the people it serves.

(This example is just me pretending to apply to law school. I am not Japanese either; I am Korean and Black. However, it is simply an example of a personal background that relates to law school aspirations.)

Your essay doesn't even need all that extra information or even citations; they already know you haven't been to college yet. However, writing a clear and concise double spaced paper would be in your best interests. It would also help to look up how to write a college application and run your paper through a grammar checker afterward.

A more simple example:

Some of my earliest memories are of watching my father work on our home computer, fascinated by what it could do. That curiosity eventually grew into a passion for computer science.

(This is someone wanting to be a software engineer. Sorry, I don't know anything about computer sciences 😫.)

Why their college?

Even if this college is not exactly your dream college, you still have to make it seem like it is.

Look up the college's statement of purpose, the clubs they offer, your program of study, and their community engagement.

I had applied to a historically Black college (HBCU), so, in my opening statement I mentioned a show I used to watch as a child called "A Different World", which was set at a fictional HBCU. I mentioned that I wanted to be surrounded by history and culture that would help me grow as an educator. I also mentioned that I was excited about their free remedial reading program for elementary students and hoped to participate in it.

But here are some short examples of you expressing your goals.

A more complex example:

Attending the law program at Lawit McLaw University would help me grow both academically and personally. I value programs that emphasize both learning and service, and that focus is important to me as someone who tries to stay involved in my community. I was especially interested in Lawit McLaw University’s community reading initiative for young children because education and mentorship can have a lasting impact on a child’s future. Helping others in my community is something I already try to do, and I would value the chance to contribute to this program while pursuing my interest in law. Being part of a program that encourages students to engage with and support their communities would help me develop the skills and perspective I need to work toward a career dedicated to the principle behind the Constitution’s opening words, "We the People."

(Continuing my fake law application.)

A more simple example:

I want to attend McScience Computer University because students from your university have participated in 257 studies published in Science Sciencey journals over the past ten years. Attending your university will give me the tools to achieve my career goals in computer science. I also look forward to continuing my education and eventually enrolling in your graduate program so that I can make proud the little boy who once sat beside his father’s computer, watching with curiosity and imagining what he might one day create himself.

(Continuing my fake computer science application.)

These are not full examples. They are simply meant to show you the types of things colleges like to see on applications. Mentioning their programs and specific achievements lets the college know that you are genuinely interested in their school, not just as a place you can benefit from, but as a place where you can also contribute and grow.

Some other things?

Consider getting your associates degree at a community college and then transferring to a four year college. Same professors, less rigorous work.

I accidentally took the same class twice, and it definitely was way too extra at the four year college. Professors at the big universities certainly love their busy work.

Keep track of your program of study. Plan and schedule your own classes. Certain classes have to be taken before another and some are only available during certain semesters (Spring or Fall). Plus, some classes you can even get waived if you are transferring from another college. There's no reason to pile overly complicated classes together into the same semester. I made sure to take my math and science classes in separate semesters.