For example, Stanford University in California asks students to answer several short questions, with a 50-word limit, in addition to answering three essay questions in 100 to 250 words.

While the personal statement allows students to share about themselves, their backgrounds, and their experiences, the ...

An essay needs to be well structured as well as answering the question in its title. Learn how to write an essay in this Bitesize English video for KS3.

For example, for a student from an immigrant family, sharing their racial and cultural background may be essential to understanding their identity and values, so could be included in an essay.

3. Don’t Try to Be Funny Of course, there are some examples when a humorous essay helped students get into an Ivy League university, but the truth is, not everyone is funny. And it’s totally okay!