College Bound Podcast Episode Summary: "Understanding the College Essay"

Release Date: October 11, 2022
Host: College Bound (Maria Finan and Zach Kloninski)
Description: The Notre Dame Undergraduate Admissions Podcast assists students and their families in navigating the college application process, offering insights into admissions criteria and what makes Notre Dame unique.

Introduction

Maria Finan (A), Senior Assistant Director in the Admissions Office and a Double Domer in English, and Zach Kloninski (B), Assistant Director and Notre Dame alumnus, co-host the episode focusing on "Understanding the College Essay." They aim to demystify the essay component of college applications, providing valuable tips and insights to prospective students.

Navigating the Common Application Essay

Zach Kloninski introduces the primary topic and highlights a robust presentation on "Understanding the College Essay" available on the Notre Dame admissions website.

• Resource Availability:

  • Presentation accessible via Admissions.nd.edu under the "Visit and Engage" tab.
  • On Demand Sessions include a detailed workshop on the college essay with supplementary handouts and blog links.

• Key Advice:

  • Uniformity Across Applications:
    “You can use that main essay to submit to all of the schools that you're applying to. Please do not feel the need to customize it to each school that you are applying for.” (00:55)

  • Avoiding School-Specific References:
    “We don't want you to have to write a new Common application essay for Notre Dame.” (02:15)
    Example given of students mistakenly referencing other universities like Montana State in their Notre Dame essays.

Purpose of the Personal Statement

Maria Finan emphasizes the personal statement as an opportunity for Notre Dame to "get to know you," given the absence of interviews in their admissions process.

• Holistic Review:
  “We do holistic review. That holistic review means that we're looking at all the pieces of your application.” (04:20)
  The essay is a significant component but works in tandem with academic and non-academic criteria.

• Encouragement to Share Authentic Stories:
  “This is the biggest piece of your application that you probably have in your control at this point.” (06:05)

Common Questions About the College Essay

Favorite Essay Topics

• Zach Kloninski shares his favorite essay examples: essays about a teddy bear and a personal item, illustrating how mundane topics can effectively introduce the applicant's personality.
  “One of my favorite essays that I've ever read was about a teddy bear.” (06:20)
  “Anything can be a bad topic.” (07:00)

• Maria Finan recounts a memorable essay about a girl's red hair, emphasizing the importance of showcasing personality through simple topics.
  “My favorite essay of all time was about a girl's hair color.” (07:20)

Voice and Tone

• Zach Kloninski advises authenticity in voice and tone, whether serious, humorous, or informal, as long as it effectively communicates the applicant's personality.
  “You can absolutely be serious. You can have some fun with it.” (08:10)

Single Story vs. Life Story

• Maria Finan recommends focusing on a specific moment rather than attempting to narrate one's entire life story within the limited word count.
  “Definitely pick a focused moment.” (09:30)

• Zach Kloninski reinforces that the essay should serve as a gateway to introduce oneself, not encompass the entirety of one's experiences.
  “The essay is about you and introducing yourself to us.” (10:10)

Handling Cliché Topics

Approaching Common Themes

• Zach Kloninski discusses the inevitability of encountering cliché topics and encourages applicants to find a unique angle to make their stories stand out.
  “Just really try and focus on how do I make this my story.” (11:00)

• Maria Finan advises self-reflection to determine if a clichéd topic genuinely represents the applicant's unique experiences.
  “Ask yourself, is that what is most unique about you?” (12:00)

Permission to Write Authentically

• Zach Kloninski offers reassurance, stating that as long as the essay authentically represents the applicant, Notre Dame encourages diverse approaches.
  “We give you permission to write your essay.” (13:00)

Supplemental Essays and Notre Dame-Specific Prompts

Maria Finan introduces the supplemental essays, particularly focusing on the "Why Notre Dame?" prompt.

• Why Notre Dame? Prompt:

  • Requires students to articulate why Notre Dame stands out to them personally.
  • Encourages research into Notre Dame’s mission and values, such as "education of the heart and mind" and "being a force for good."

• Zach Kloninski emphasizes the need to avoid reusing common or non-specific responses and instead focus on personal resonance with Notre Dame’s unique attributes.
  “Choose the supplemental prompt that helps you feel that you are communicating that best.” (16:50)

• Strategic Selection of Prompts:

  • Students should select prompts that align with their personal stories and values.
  • Avoid forcing responses to fit prompts; authenticity is key.

Final Advice and Conclusion

Maria Finan concludes by encouraging applicants to view the essay-writing process as an opportunity to share their authentic selves rather than a stressful hurdle.

• Revision is Crucial:
  “Don't forget to revise them. That's an important part of the process.” (19:00)

• Looking Ahead:
  “Next episode, we're going to get into demystifying the admissions process.” (20:00)

Zach Kloninski and Maria Finan reiterate the importance of the essay in presenting a holistic view of the applicant and invite listeners to engage with future episodes for more insights.

Key Takeaways

1. Use a Single, Focused Topic:
   Choose a specific moment or experience that highlights your unique qualities rather than attempting to encapsulate your entire life story.

2. Authenticity Over Perfection:
   Write in a voice that genuinely represents you, whether it's serious, humorous, or informal. Authenticity resonates more than trying to fit a perceived ideal.

3. Avoid Over-Customization:
   Use your main personal statement across multiple applications to save time, but ensure it's tailored enough to not reference or favor one school over another.

4. Understand Notre Dame’s Values:
   Research and reflect on how Notre Dame’s mission aligns with your personal goals and values to craft a compelling "Why Notre Dame?" essay.

5. Embrace Revision:
   Allow time to revise your essays, seeking feedback from trusted sources to refine your narrative and ensure clarity.

Notable Quotes

• Maria Finan:
  “It doesn’t have to be some grand story. Oftentimes, the simplest things that are most important to you make the best essays.” (08:05)

• Zach Kloninski:
  “The essay is about you and introducing yourself to us.” (10:10)
  “We give you permission to write your essay.” (13:00)

Conclusion

This episode of the "College Bound" podcast serves as a comprehensive guide for applicants navigating the complexities of writing effective college essays. By focusing on authenticity, specificity, and alignment with Notre Dame's values, students can craft essays that not only showcase their unique stories but also resonate with the admissions team. Maria Finan and Zach Kloninski provide actionable advice and resources, empowering applicants to approach their essays with confidence and clarity.