I know our Collegewise advice works. But this week I was reminded that it’s not always easy to follow it, especially when you’re facing the pressure of applying.
An author I admire announced that he’s holding a three-day marketing seminar in New York. The class would be limited to 70 people, and you had to apply for admission.
The application had just three questions:
1. What do you do (in a hundred words or less, the gist of your job and who you do it for)?
2. Is there a URL to 'see' you online (a blog, home page, Squidoo page, corporate site etc.).
3. Where are you headed and where can I help you get to?
I worked hard on my responses but just wasn’t happy with them. Something wasn’t working. Then I realized what it was. I’d forgotten to follow our Collegewise advice.
I was trying too hard to impress him instead of just being honest in my answers. I was talking more about Collegewise and less about me and what I actually do here. And the answers just didn’t sound like me—they were formal, stiff, and unrevealing. It was actually pretty embarrassing to forget to follow my own advice.
So I deleted everything and started over in the Collegewise way. I answered the questions honestly, without trying to guess what might sound good. I made sure every answer helped him better understand me, what I do here, and why I do it. And I wrote every sentence as if I were speaking to him. No formal, flowery language—just honest answers that sounded like me.
This week, I got my response:
"Thanks for your interest in the session. I'm honestly blown away by the response I got. Hundreds of people applied, but you're in the very first batch of invites. The quality of people (and the diversity) is pretty amazing… you're in good company. I hope you'll be able to join me in December."
Filling out college applications and writing your essays is stressful. You know you’re going to be judged on the information you share and you really want the colleges to say “Yes.” It’s hard to relax and let you and your high school career speak for yourselves without trying too hard to impress them. But that’s exactly what you need to do.
A safe, overly-formal application will be just like all the others. That’s no way to stand out. So don’t try to guess what’s going to sound impressive—just be clear and honest. Keep the focus on you, even when you’re describing an activity, experience or a person who’s inspired you (you are what colleges want to learn more about). And don’t be so formal that your applications and essays don’t sound like you. A little personality goes a long way.
It’s not always easy to do. But I promise you that it works.
Rob Humbracht says
Congratulations, Kevin! That sounds like an amazing experience. I’ll be eager to hear about what you learn and what Seth is like in person.
Kevin McMullin says
Thanks, Rob! I’m excited about it.