Personal Essays

Being Extra-ordinary I am more than an Academic Transcript… Colleges and universities are very interested in your academic achievements. University admissions offices look at your high school grade point average and your test scores very closely. Without trying to minimize the importance of these, we, at Syracuse, know that students are more than numbers. On your university application(s) you need to tell the reader(s) about who you are as a person. Personal essays and statements give you the opportunity to describe the activities you engage in outside the high school classroom. University admissions reviewers want to know about your character, your motivation and your values. Student Groups and/or Organizations Students who get involved in their high school student governments are often viewed in very positive ways as this sort of activity demonstrates leadership potential, good citizenship and potentially strong communication skills. Any involvement with a high school group or organization can improve your chances of acceptance to Syracuse (language clubs, year book staff, peer tutor, culture focused groups, enrichment programs, art, drama, performance activities, leadership programs, etc.) Sports Many students participate in high school athletics. Clearly involvement in organized sports builds a sense of team spirit as well as teaches students about health, sportsmanship and goal setting. Talk to your coach(es) about your plans to apply to college as they are often a good source for information as well as for letters of recommendations (see Letters of Recommendation). Please note that if you enter Syracuse University as an HEOP student you will not be able to participate in varsity sports during your freshman year. Employment Many believe that there is no substitute for work experience. Summer jobs, as well as part time jobs, are indicative of a person's maturity and level of personal responsibility. Students with positive work experience(s) during their high school years have generally proven to be comfortable working in teams, committed learners, and able to manage their time. What the job involves (a grocery story clerk, a waiter, a camp counselor, a salesperson, etc.) is less important than your performance on the job. You might consider asking a co-worker or a supervisor for a letter of recommendation. Volunteer Work and/or Community Service We believe that one of the most important things that a university education can do is help to develop good citizens. Therefore the university is seeking to enroll students who demonstrate a willingness to contribute in positive ways to their communities and an awareness of the societal issues that surround them. Participating in volunteer work or community service is indicative of an individual's level of social awareness and values. There are many ways/places that students get involved in volunteer activities: after school programs; youth centers; literacy volunteers; hospitals; churches; health organizations (American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Hospice, etc.). If you have gotten involved in these or similar activities make certain that the admissions reviewers know about it. If you haven't yet spent any time as a volunteer then it is strongly recommended that you do so. How Extra-ordinary Are You? If you are a senior and in the midst of applying to colleges and universities please make every effort to include as much of the above information as possible in your personal essay or statement. Many students prefer to tell a personal "story" in their essays and these can be very personal and effective ways of communicating "who" they are. You can let the universities know about your extracurricular involvement by including a resume or portfolio with your application materials. Make certain that these "extras" are acceptable. You might consider calling the admissions office to ask if applicants are allowed to include such materials. The Syracuse University Admissions Office accepts resumes, portfolios and most other supporting documents with student applications. If you are a junior, sophomore or freshman in high school then you should make use of this time by filling any gaps in your extracurricular activities. Get involved in your community. Participate in a student group. Get into the student government. Try out for a team. Remember you are the captain of your own ship and if your destination is college the few simple things listed above will speed you on your voyage. The seas can be rough but it is usually the extraordinary people that make the great discoveries. Don't forget to tell us how Extra-Ordinary you are!