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

Your essay should reveal the real you, not read like a resume, expert says. Sept. 2, 2010— -- When it comes to applying to college, many students fear the personal essay above all. Bari Norman, a ...

Asking a teacher or family member to proofread your college essay can be a great idea, but when does getting outside help become too much? This week, our experts weigh in on the best practices for ...

If you've ever applied to a university in the US, then you know that writing your personal essay can be agonizing. While getting accepted to any school is a crapshoot and totally subjective, some ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. As the CEO of Command Education, I write about emotionally intelligent leadership and education. I decided to put the program’s ...

Writing college essays that stand out is a critical step in the college admissions process. College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and a compelling essay can make a ...

Tucked away at the back of many college applications is a blank page headed with a benign invitation to “tell us about yourself.” A part of the admissions process since the post-World War II explosion ...

Parents: sit down before you read this. Kids: deep breaths. You know that beautifully crafted, deeply felt, highly unusual college application essay you’ve been polishing? It might not make a ...

Recently an earnest Junior at Connecticut's Cheshire Academy asked a panel of admissions professionals, “What are you looking for in a college application essay?” I responded, “Your story, in your own ...