On a gray November morning, stacks of essays sat on an admissions counselor’s desk at a New England liberal arts college. She had already read 60 that week. “I could tell within the first five lines ...

The word essay comes from the French word ‘essayer’ meaning ‘to try’ or ‘to attempt’. A French writer called Michel de Montaigne invented the essay in Europe as his ‘attempt’ to write about himself ...

The personal essay is an essential component of your application. How compelling it is — or isn't — can make or break your acceptance.

At Bucknell, we can assure you that a real human being (at least two, actually) will review your entire application, including your essay, and that they (not computers) will decide if you get in.

Show your personality. Focus on personal experiences when choosing a topic. Prioritize strong editing while staying true to your voice. College application essays are where you can demonstrate your ...