There are going to be a number of subjects you might feel like you should write about. That time you scored the winning goal in your JV soccer game. That time you saw the Grand Canyon. If those are moments that really are resonant to you, definitely take them on! If not, go for something that you really feel feelings about. The people reading this essay want to hear your voice and see your personality, so avoid topics that don’t allow you to be you.
We know. By the time you’re finished writing your essay, you’re pretty much ready for it to be over and done with. But taking another hour or two to have someone read and proof your work—writers often can't see their own mistakes!—so you can fine-tune, clean up and sharpen your essay will signal to the college admissions staff that you’re careful, thoughtful and serious about your application.
If you’re writing several essays for different colleges, cutting and pasting will be an easy-seeming solution. But the schools you’re applying to want to see your interest in them, so feel free to be economical with what you’re writing—there’ll be plenty you can use in multiple essays—but be sure to include a paragraph or so that’s specific about your desire to go to each respective college.
What do you think? Are you ready to apply to Siena? Go for it.