Let’s say 1,000 equally well-prepared high school students are applying to the same medium-sized college or university. These students all have similar grade point averages, standardized test scores and extracurricular activities. How does the admissions committee decide between similarly qualified candidates? Frequently, it’s the essay that acts as a tie-breaker.

The essay portion of the college application is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to let them hear your voice and get to know you better as a person. But it’s not enough for them to get to know you – it’s also important for them to like you.

When the admissions committee is considering your application, they are thinking about more than how well you’ll do in college level classes – they are also deciding if they want you to live on their campus and be part of their community. They are evaluating whether or not you will fit in with other students.

Students sometimes forget the importance of being likeable in an essay. The pressure to present themselves in a good light and highlight their achievements sometimes leads to an essay that sounds boastful and exagerated. Try to resist the temptation to write about yourself as if you are a cross between Stephen Hawking and Neil Armstrong. Instead of just trumpeting your achievements, focus on presenting yourself in an honest and human light. If you pat yourself on the back, pat gently! When you’re finished, read your final draft over with a critical eye: do you like the person who wrote that essay? If you don’t, the admissions committee certainly won’t.