6 Tips To Ace Boston College Supplemental Essays

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Boston College, a renowned institution for higher learning, seeks to understand its applicants beyond their academic credentials. The college's supplemental essays provide a unique opportunity for students to showcase their personality, passions, and perspectives. To increase your chances of standing out from the crowd, here are six tips to help you ace Boston College's supplemental essays.

Boston College's essay prompts are designed to assess your creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The college wants to understand how you think, what you value, and how you engage with the world around you. By taking the time to understand the prompts and what they're asking, you'll be better equipped to craft thoughtful and compelling responses.

Tip 2: Show, Don't Tell

Rather than simply stating your accomplishments or qualities, use specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points. This will help bring your essays to life and make them more engaging for the reader. For instance, instead of saying "I'm a hard worker," describe a particular project or experience where you demonstrated your work ethic.

Choose the Right Essay Prompts

Boston College offers a range of essay prompts to choose from. Select the ones that resonate with you the most, and that allow you to showcase your unique perspective and experiences. Don't try to force a particular prompt if it doesn't feel natural – your essays will be stronger if you're writing about something you're genuinely passionate about.

Tip 3: Use Specific Details

Using specific details and examples will help make your essays more vivid and memorable. Try to incorporate sensory language and descriptive details to bring your stories to life. For example, instead of saying "I volunteered at a soup kitchen," describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the experience, and how it impacted you on a personal level.

Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks

Boston College values creativity and risk-taking. Don't be afraid to take a chance and try something new in your essays. This might mean experimenting with different narrative structures, using humor or irony, or tackling a difficult topic. Remember, the goal is to stand out and showcase your unique perspective – so don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Tip 4: Edit and Revise

Once you've drafted your essays, it's essential to edit and revise them carefully. Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors for feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Make sure to proofread your essays multiple times to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Use Your Voice

Your essays should sound like you – not like someone else. Use your unique voice and perspective to tell your stories, and avoid trying to emulate someone else's style. Boston College wants to get to know the real you – so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Your Passion

Boston College wants to know what you're passionate about – and why. Use your essays to showcase your interests, values, and goals. Whether it's a hobby, a social cause, or a academic pursuit, demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm, and explain how it relates to your future plans.

Show How You Engage with the World

Boston College values students who are engaged with the world around them. Use your essays to describe how you interact with your community, how you respond to current events, and how you think critically about complex issues. This will help demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact at the college and beyond.

Tip 6: Get Feedback from Others

Finally, don't be afraid to seek feedback from others. Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors to review your essays and provide constructive criticism. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your essays are the best they can be.

By following these six tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling and effective Boston College supplemental essays. Remember to take your time, be creative, and showcase your unique perspective and experiences. Good luck!