CollegeVine College Essay Team December 7, 2024 14 Essay Breakdowns,Essay Guides 2024-25

How to Write the Emerson College Essays 2024-2025

Emerson College has two essays, one why this major essay and another with two prompts which is either a community essay or an about you essay. If you are applying to the honors college, there is an additional essay that is a bit more creative.

Emerson College Essay Prompts

Understanding the Prompt

This is a Why This Major essay prompt. Since the word limit is brief, focus on a specific story or inspiration that ties into Emerson’s emphasis on communication and the arts. You need to show passion for the major and demonstrate why Emerson is the perfect place for you to pursue it.

Brainstorming Questions

• What event, class, or experience made you interested in this major?
• Was there a specific piece of media (book, movie, performance) that inspired your interest in this field?
• If you’re undecided, what parts of Emerson’s curriculum or approach appeal to you?
• How does your background (e.g., hobbies, extracurriculars) connect to communication or the arts?
• Are there specific Emerson resources, programs, or courses that match your interests?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response should:

• Tell a focused, specific story: Pick one clear moment or event that shows your interest in communication or the arts.
• Show a strong connection to your major: Explain why this moment inspired you to pursue this field at a school like Emerson, which specializes in these areas.
• Mention a specific aspect of Emerson’s programs: Tie your interest to something distinct about Emerson, such as a department, professor, or specific course.
• Be authentic and enthusiastic: Your passion for communication or the arts should be clear and genuine.
• Stay concise: You have only 100-200 words, so every sentence must serve the purpose of connecting your story to Emerson.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Theater and Performance Student: Ever since playing the lead role in her high school’s production of Hamlet, she has been fascinated with theater. She would write about how the experience of embodying such a complex character led her to explore other plays, fueling her passion for the stage. She wants to study at Emerson because of its Theatre BFA program and its emphasis on real-world experience through the Emerson Stage.
• Creative Writing: This student has been writing poetry and short stories since middle school.. They are drawn to Emerson’s unique focus on writing across media, particularly the chance to experiment with scriptwriting, fiction, and journalism before deciding on a specific path.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague: Saying, “I’ve always loved film” without describing a specific moment or experience won’t leave a lasting impression.
• Listing interests: Don’t waste the limited word count by listing several reasons for your interest. Focus on one strong story.
• Generic praise for Emerson: Avoid saying things like, “Emerson is a great school with strong programs.” Be specific about why it’s great for you.
• Résumé rehashing: Don’t list every class or activity you’ve done related to your major. Choose one or two key experiences and explain their significance.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“The first time I picked up a camera, I was eleven, and my goal was simple: make my toys move. I spent hours positioning each LEGO figure, snapping pictures, and compiling them into a stop-motion movie. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with visual storytelling. Emerson’s Film and Media Arts program is the perfect place to hone my craft, especially with its strong focus on production and opportunities to work with cutting-edge equipment in the Paramount Center.” (140 words)

Why this works: This response tells a specific, personal story and clearly shows a passion for film that has deep roots. The connection to Emerson is genuine and focuses on a program feature (Paramount Center) unique to the college.

Bad Example

“I’ve always loved writing stories, ever since I was young. I’ve written many short stories and poems, and I’m passionate about improving my skills. Emerson’s great reputation in the arts makes it the perfect place for me to grow as a writer.” (56 words)

Why this doesn’t work: This is too vague and generic. The student doesn’t describe any specific experiences, and the mention of Emerson’s “great reputation” doesn’t add meaningful insight into why the student wants to attend. There’s no clear connection between their passion and what Emerson offers.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt asks you to reflect on your life and condense it into a meaningful title, while also explaining the reasoning behind your choice. It’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity, self-awareness, and storytelling ability—core values at Emerson College. 

Brainstorming Questions

• What are the most significant moments or experiences that have shaped who you are today?
• How would you describe your personality and approach to life?
• Are there recurring themes in your life, like overcoming challenges, seeking adventure, or finding your voice?
• What tone or mood would you want your story to convey—optimism, perseverance, humor, or something else?
• How does this title connect to who you are now, and who you hope to become?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response should:

• Have a creative and meaningful title: The title should reflect your personality, experiences, or values. It doesn’t need to be fancy or overly dramatic, but it should feel authentic to you.
• Offer insight into your life journey: Choose one or two key experiences that have defined who you are and tie them into your explanation of the title.
• Be reflective and self-aware: Show that you’ve thought about how your past has shaped you and how it ties into who you want to become.
• Use storytelling elements: Since Emerson emphasizes storytelling, your response should be vivid and engaging, even with a limited word count.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• “Finding My Frequency”: This student grew up in a musical household and learned to play five instruments by high school. The title reflects their journey of discovering their own identity through music, from classical piano lessons to DJing at school events. The story would reflect how they found confidence through performance and how music became their voice.
• “Stitches and Stories”: A student whose mother taught them how to sew as a way to channel their creativity and escape from the stresses of school and family. Sewing became a metaphor for how they piece together different parts of their life into one cohesive narrative—embracing both successes and failures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a title that is too vague: A title like “My Journey” or “Growing Up” doesn’t provide any specific insight into your personality or experiences.
• Being overly dramatic or cliché: Avoid titles like “Against All Odds” or “The Hero’s Journey” unless you can offer a unique and compelling angle.
• Focusing too much on explaining the title and not enough on your personal story: The title is just a vehicle to talk about your life—make sure the majority of your response focuses on who you are and what has shaped you.
• Being impersonal: This essay is about you, so avoid making it too broad or general. Connect the title directly to your experiences.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

Title: “The Art of the Quiet Comeback”

“In middle school, I was the quiet kid who sat in the back and doodled in my notebook while others dominated class discussions. But when I joined the art club, my drawings finally spoke for me. Winning first prize in a statewide art competition became a turning point—it was the first time I felt like I had a voice. Since then, I’ve learned to channel my creativity into every challenge I face, using art as my tool for resilience. My life’s story is about the quiet comebacks that have shaped me, from silent sketches to bold murals, each one telling a louder story.” (156 words)

Why this works: The title is unique and symbolic of the student’s personal journey. The explanation tells a specific story about how art gave them a voice, and it reflects both their personality and resilience.

Bad Example

Title: “The Journey of My Life”

“Life is full of ups and downs, and I have experienced both. From moving to a new city to starting high school, I’ve faced many challenges, but each one has taught me something new. Emerson College will be the next chapter in my journey, where I hope to continue growing and learning. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead.” (65 words)

Why this doesn’t work: The title is overly generic, and the response doesn’t offer any specific insight into the student’s life or personality. The lack of details makes it hard to connect with the student’s story, and there’s no clear connection between the title and the explanation.

Understanding the Prompt

This is an Impact on Community essay prompt, similar to a Community Service essay prompt, asking you to reflect on the role of community and how it supports individual growth, collective success, or both. Emerson College is seeking to understand how you think about community, whether you’ve experienced its benefits personally, and how you might contribute to the college’s vibrant, collaborative environment.

Brainstorming Questions

• Have you been part of any communities (clubs, teams, family, etc.) that positively impacted you or others?
• How did being part of a community help you grow as a person?
• Have you contributed to the success or well-being of a community? What were the results?
• What role do you think community plays in personal and collective achievement?
• What kind of community do you hope to find or create at Emerson?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response should:

• Highlight a specific example: Share a personal experience where you either benefited from or contributed to a community. This could be a school club, sports team, volunteer group, family, or neighborhood.
• Reflect on the broader impact: Show how the community benefited individuals and the group as a whole, or how individual contributions strengthened the community.
• Show personal insight: Demonstrate your understanding of how community and individual growth are interconnected.
• Be thoughtful and specific: Avoid generalizations. Use concrete details to bring your example to life.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Theater Student: This student worked behind the scenes on school productions, helping the team come together. They write about how each member’s contribution, from set designers to lead actors, was essential to the final production. The experience taught them that community functions best when everyone supports one another’s strengths, leading to a stronger whole.
• Debate Club Member: A student who initially struggled with public speaking found their voice in debate club. They explain how the supportive environment helped them grow individually, and how they in turn mentored newer members, fostering a culture of mutual support and growth within the club.
• Neighborhood Volunteer: A student who helped organize a neighborhood cleanup describes how the project not only improved the physical environment but also brought people together. The experience showed them how community action benefits both the individual and the group by creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too abstract: Avoid generalizing about how “communities are important” without a specific example to back it up.
• Only focusing on the individual or the community: This prompt asks you to reflect on the balance between individual growth and community benefit. Make sure to address both if possible.
• Ignoring personal connection: Don’t just talk about community in theory—show how it has affected you.
• Forgetting Emerson’s focus on storytelling: Your response should tell a clear, engaging story, not just offer a list of ideas.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“When I joined my high school’s peer tutoring program, I saw firsthand how a community could uplift both the individual and the whole. As I worked with students struggling in math, I gained confidence in my own skills while helping them find their footing. But it wasn’t just about the individual victories—our school’s average math scores rose, and a sense of camaraderie developed among tutors and students. This experience taught me that community is most powerful when it empowers individuals to contribute to collective success. I hope to find that same spirit of mutual growth at Emerson.” (109 words)

Why this works: This example shares a specific story about tutoring and shows both individual growth (gaining confidence) and community benefits (rising math scores and stronger bonds). The reflection is thoughtful and ties back to how the student hopes to experience a similar sense of community at Emerson.

Bad Example

“Community is important because it helps people feel like they belong. When everyone works together, they can achieve more than they could individually. Communities also allow people to support each other through difficult times. That’s why I believe that being part of a community benefits both the individual and the whole.” (53 words)

Why this doesn’t work: This response is too vague and theoretical. It doesn’t share a specific personal experience, making it hard for the reader to connect with the student’s point of view. There’s no clear storytelling or reflection, and it could apply to anyone, anywhere.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt asks you to choose a metaphor that resonates with you and explore its effects on your thinking. Emerson’s Honors Program wants to see your critical thinking skills, creativity, and ability to engage with complex ideas. You should analyze both the positive and negative aspects of the metaphor, showing a nuanced understanding of how language shapes thought. The metaphor you choose can come from anywhere—literature, pop culture, personal experience—but it should be one that you find personally meaningful and worth exploring in depth.

Brainstorming Questions

• What metaphor has had a lasting impact on how you see the world or approach challenges?
• Does the metaphor influence your mindset in a positive way, a negative way, or both? How?
• What are the limitations or potential pitfalls of this metaphor? Can it oversimplify or mislead?
• How does the metaphor apply to your life, experiences, or interests?
• Why do you find this metaphor compelling? How has it shaped your understanding of the world?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response should:

• Pick a specific, meaningful metaphor: Choose a metaphor that truly resonates with you and has some complexity. It can be from a book, a personal experience, or even common sayings like “life is a journey.”
• Explore both sides of the metaphor: Analyze how the metaphor can be helpful in understanding the world but also explore its limitations or harmful potential. Be thoughtful about the dual nature of metaphors.
• Use personal examples or real-world applications: Bring the metaphor to life by connecting it to your experiences, challenges, or beliefs. This will make the essay more personal and engaging.
• Show depth of thought: The honors program is looking for applicants who can think critically. Go beyond surface-level analysis and show a nuanced understanding of how this metaphor works and why it’s important.
• Demonstrate strong writing skills: Since the Honors Program values academic excellence, your essay should be well-organized, clearly written, and polished.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• “Life is a Puzzle”: A student who has always loved problem-solving could discuss the metaphor of life as a puzzle. They might explain how it encourages them to see challenges as solvable and view obstacles as pieces that just need to be rearranged. But they could also explore the downside—sometimes, life’s problems don’t have clear solutions, and the metaphor might create frustration when things don’t “fit” as expected.
• “The World as a Stage”: A theater enthusiast could write about the famous Shakespearean metaphor and how it has shaped their understanding of social dynamics and performance. They might explore how the metaphor encourages them to be mindful of the roles people play in life, but also question if it leads them to overanalyze interactions, reducing genuine experiences to scripted performances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing an overused or simplistic metaphor: Metaphors like “life is a rollercoaster” or “time is money” might be too common and difficult to write about in a fresh or compelling way.
• Failing to explore both positive and negative aspects: The prompt specifically asks for a balanced exploration, so don’t only focus on how the metaphor is helpful. Make sure you address any potential harm or limitations.
• Not personalizing the metaphor: This essay is an opportunity to share your unique perspective. Avoid generic or detached analysis—connect the metaphor to your own life and experiences.
• Being too abstract: While it’s important to think critically, your essay should still be grounded in real-world applications. Don’t get so caught up in theory that your writing becomes hard to follow.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“The metaphor that has most influenced my thinking is “life is a canvas.” At its best, this metaphor encourages creativity, flexibility, and the idea that we are the artists of our own destinies. From a young age, I embraced this idea, experimenting with different ‘paints’—trying on various hobbies, interests, and academic pursuits. It reminded me that life is meant to be crafted, not passively experienced. I spent years honing my ‘artistry,’ participating in Model UN to practice diplomacy, learning photography to explore new perspectives, and even taking up piano to compose my own music. This metaphor gave me the freedom to create a colorful, varied life.

However, this metaphor also has its limitations. As empowering as it is to think of life as a canvas that I can design, it can also lead to a sense of pressure to constantly be creating something perfect. Art is often judged based on its aesthetic appeal, and when life is framed in this way, I sometimes find myself falling into the trap of comparison—worrying whether my ‘painting’ measures up to the masterpieces of others. This mindset can be harmful, as it places too much emphasis on external validation and neglects the messy, unpredictable aspects of life that can’t be neatly painted over.

Moreover, not all of life is under my control. Sometimes, ‘paint’ spills unexpectedly—personal hardships, family struggles, or global challenges. The metaphor can be limiting because it suggests that I should be able to manage every aspect of my life with grace and precision, but that’s not always realistic. These imperfections, however, have taught me to embrace spontaneity and imperfection, much like abstract art, where beauty often arises from the unexpected.

Ultimately, ‘life is a canvas’ remains a powerful metaphor for me, as it encourages me to take ownership of my journey and create something meaningful. Yet, I’ve also learned that the beauty of life often lies in the moments that aren’t meticulously planned, and that sometimes, the paint spills are just as valuable as the brushstrokes.” (364 words)

Why this works: This essay uses a specific metaphor and provides a balanced analysis of its benefits and drawbacks. The student connects the metaphor to their personal experiences and reflections, making the response engaging and thoughtful. It’s clear they’ve considered both the positive aspects of creativity and control, as well as the pressures and limitations that come with it.

Bad Example

“The metaphor I find most powerful is “life is a rollercoaster.” It’s a metaphor that explains the ups and downs we all experience. It reminds me that even when things get tough, there’s always a way back up, and that I should enjoy the good times while they last. On the other hand, this metaphor can be harmful because it suggests that life’s challenges are temporary, which isn’t always true. Sometimes problems last a long time, and thinking of life as a rollercoaster might make people impatient for the ‘up’ part to come again.

Overall, though, I think it’s a helpful metaphor because it teaches people to persevere through tough times and recognize that life will always have highs and lows.” (127 words)

Why this doesn’t work: This response is too simplistic and doesn’t delve deeply into the metaphor. The analysis of both the helpful and harmful aspects is surface-level, and there’s no personal connection or specific example to make the essay engaging. The metaphor is also overused, which makes the essay less original.

Where to Get Your Emerson College Essays Edited For Free

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