Whack-a-Mole
You know that game Whack-a-mole? That’s what it can feel like. The whole application essay thing can seem like a game that just keeps growing.

“I’ll do that personal essay first. I can write about my work with Saturday School and tutoring Jaycee. Ok, that’s good. Now the activity paragraph. Whoops, Saturday School is my logical choice for that. I guess I need a different topic for the core essay. Do I need a sport? Can I write about the play? Someone said “No essays about trips.” Is that right? And wait, there are these supplements. ‘Why in particular do you wish to attend Alma Mater University?’ Would that be because most days I figure I can’t possibly get in to Alma Mater University? What do they want, anyway? Significant experience? Does that mean someone has to die?”

Don’t let the application mess with your mind. Before you look at the questions, take a good look at the subject of those questions (you). Tomorrow, we’ll talk about how to whack the moles and keep them down.