Writing a strong college essay is essential to gaining admission into a top-tier school like Pomona College. A well-crafted essay can make all the difference in the highly competitive admissions process. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and strategies for writing an excellent Pomona essay and showcase some of the best Pomona essay examples to help you get inspired.
Pomona Essay Examples: What Makes Them Stand Out?
One of the best ways to learn how to write a compelling Pomona essay is to look at successful essays from previous applicants. Here are some Pomona essay examples that will help you understand what makes them stand out:
Example 1: A Unique Perspective
“I Have a Dream from my Closet” by Anonymous
“I’ve always believed that the most important thing is to have a dream. That said, it wasn’t until one particular morning, as I stood in front of my closet staring at the jumble of clothing hanging there, that I realized this dream doesn’t have to be ‘big.’ Of course, everyone should have aspirations for larger, societal change. But sometimes, a closet can hold a dream just as much as a city.”
This essay does an excellent job of highlighting the author’s unique perspective and using a personal experience to convey a larger message. The essay is well-written and thoughtful, demonstrating the author’s strong writing skills.
Example 2: Personal Anecdotes
“Singing to Cuba” by Anonymous
“It was the summer before my senior year, and I had just returned from a three-month stay in Cuba singing and dancing alongside professional performers. What was supposed to be a study abroad program morphed into a rich, indescribable experience as I developed close relationships with children who had completely different life experiences than me. I learned about strength, resilience, and the importance of meaningful relationships.”
This essay does an excellent job of weaving personal anecdotes into a larger narrative. By doing so, the author is able to demonstrate how personal experiences can be used to teach meaningful lessons and transform an individual.
Example 3: Passion and Curiosity
“A Reflection on my Existential Crisis” by Anonymous
“I am fascinated by the idea of the ‘existential crisis.’ In the summer before my senior year, I experienced my own when I confronted the questions that had always terrified me. Who am I? What do I believe? Why am I here? The more I read, the more I realized that everyone goes through some form of an existential crisis, allowing people like me to better understand the various ways we ‘exist.'”
This essay is an excellent example of how passion and curiosity can be used to craft a compelling narrative. The author’s passion for existential questions comes through in the writing, which shows that students should write about something they are curious and passionate about.
Tips and Strategies for Writing an Excellent Pomona Essay
Here are some tips and strategies to help you write an excellent Pomona essay:
1. Be Authentic
Write about something that is true to your experience and your beliefs. Avoid trying to write what you think the admissions committee wants to read; focus instead on writing something compelling that accurately reflects your unique voice.
2. Use Personal Anecdotes
Personal anecdotes are an excellent way to demonstrate your unique experiences and perspectives. Avoid broad generalizations and instead focus on specific moments that defined you as an individual.
3. Choose an Original Topic
Writing about a unique topic sets you apart from the other applicants. Avoid clichéd topics such as sports, mission trips or summer camps, and instead focus on an original idea that showcases your individuality.
4. Edit and Revise
Revise your essay multiple times to ensure that it’s polished and ready for submission. Read it out loud, and ask peers or mentors to review your essay to find ways to improve it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Pomona Essays
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing your Pomona essay:
1. Being Too Generic
Avoid writing about topics that are too generic, such as “my passion for soccer helped me to be a team player.” Instead, focus on original topics and use specific examples to illustrate your points.
2. Failing to Show Your Personality
Your Pomona essay is an opportunity to showcase your individuality. Failing to show your personality in your essay can hurt your chances of being admitted.
Conclusion
The Pomona College admissions committee reads thousands of essays each year, so it’s essential to write an essay that stands out from the rest. By following the strategies outlined in this article and reviewing some Pomona essay examples, you can craft a compelling essay that sets you apart from the competition.
FAQ
Q: How long should a Pomona essay be?
A: The Pomona essay is typically 500-750 words in length.
Q: Can I use humor in my Pomona essay?
A: Humor can be an effective tool when used appropriately in your Pomona essay. However, it should be used sparingly and not detract from the overall message you are trying to convey.