Rethinking the College Essay

Article by Ravin Bhatia, TPT Staff Writer

In the landscape of college admissions, where the pursuit of distinction borders on the existential, the pressure to carve out a unique identity often leaves students grappling with a profound sense of uncertainty. "I just can't seem to find anything worth sharing," murmured one of my peers, his words resonating with the silent anguish of countless others ensnared in the quagmire of self-reflection.

As a student navigating college essay composition, I've borne witness to the pervasive anxiety that permeates our collective psyche—a gnawing fear of fading into obscurity amidst the clamor of high-achieving contenders jostling for a coveted seat at the academic table. The ritualistic spectacle of "Ivy Day," with its solemn pronouncements of acceptance and rejection, serves only to heighten this sense of existential dread, casting a pall of uncertainty over our aspirations and ambitions.

In response, students have begun to see themselves and their strengths as “brands” needed to be marketed to universities.

Yet, in our fervent quest for a coherent personal brand, we risk sacrificing the messy, meandering journey of self-discovery that defines adolescence. Instead of allowing our experiences to shape our identity organically, we are urged to adopt a strategic approach, preemptively selecting a passion and molding our lives to fit its contours—a process that reduces our individuality to a neatly packaged narrative devoid of spontaneity or authenticity.

The consequences of this approach are manifold: it exacerbates existing disparities by privileging those with the means to manufacture impressive résumés, while simultaneously stifling the inherent fluidity and adaptability of youth. In a culture that fetishizes consistency and quantifiable achievements, the value of exploration and self-reflection is tragically overlooked.

The college essay, then, becomes a battleground for our collective identity—a crucible in which the competing imperatives of self-expression and conformity clash with unsettling force. As students, it is incumbent upon us to resist the allure of the personal branding paradigm and embrace the messy, imperfect process of self-discovery.

For true growth and self-actualization can only be achieved through an embrace of uncertainty, a willingness to grapple with complexity, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity. In a world that seeks to mold us into predetermined archetypes, our greatest act of rebellion lies in the unapologetic assertion of our individuality.