You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Biographical sketch
- Thread starter why not?
- Start date
It can be whatever you want it to be. For my three kids who applied to USMMA, they all looked for an angle that was different than other applicants would be. In other words, your essay should be one that is unique to your life rather than something that any other applicant could have written. Good luck.
Google "Hacking the College Essay 2017" and read it.
Write the Essay No One Else Could Write
"It boils down to this: the essay that gets you in is the essay that no other applicant could write.
Is this a trick? The rest of this guide gives you the best strategies to accomplish this single
most important thing: write the essay no one else could write.
If someone reading your essay gets the feeling some other applicant could have written it,
then you’re in trouble.
Why is this so important? Because most essays sound like they could have been written by
anyone. Remember that most essays fail to do what they should: replace numbers (SAT/GPA) with the real you.
Put yourself in the shoes of an admissions officer. She’s got limited time and a stack of
applications. Each application is mostly numbers and other stuff that looks the same. Then she picks
up your essay. Sixty seconds later, what is her impression of you? Will she know something specifically
about you? Or will you still be indistinguishable from the hundreds of other applicants she has been
reading about?"
Write the Essay No One Else Could Write
"It boils down to this: the essay that gets you in is the essay that no other applicant could write.
Is this a trick? The rest of this guide gives you the best strategies to accomplish this single
most important thing: write the essay no one else could write.
If someone reading your essay gets the feeling some other applicant could have written it,
then you’re in trouble.
Why is this so important? Because most essays sound like they could have been written by
anyone. Remember that most essays fail to do what they should: replace numbers (SAT/GPA) with the real you.
Put yourself in the shoes of an admissions officer. She’s got limited time and a stack of
applications. Each application is mostly numbers and other stuff that looks the same. Then she picks
up your essay. Sixty seconds later, what is her impression of you? Will she know something specifically
about you? Or will you still be indistinguishable from the hundreds of other applicants she has been
reading about?"
Do the instructions offer guidance? Last year it said this in regards to the Biographical Essay, "You must include your reasons for wishing to attend the Academy, a discussion of your curriculum preference, the development of your career interest as a result of your high school classes, hobbies and activities, including any sailing experience, seaman’s experience, and/or military experience. You must also state your understanding and willingness to accept the service obligation upon graduation."
Good luck to you.
Good luck to you.
But you still want to make it unique...and Show, don't tell
Not "Since I was a kid I always liked boats."
But "Whenever I got on a boat, everyone was going up front to get the best view or finding the most comfortable seat. Not me...I was the one asking the Captain to see the cockpit or asking a hand to show me where the engines are."
Not "Since I was a kid I always liked boats."
But "Whenever I got on a boat, everyone was going up front to get the best view or finding the most comfortable seat. Not me...I was the one asking the Captain to see the cockpit or asking a hand to show me where the engines are."