How to Write an Essay on Your Future Plans for School

When it comes to writing about your future plans for school, the key is to be both inspiring and specific. This guide will provide you with the necessary tips and strategies to craft an impressive essay that will stand out to college admissions officers.

Understanding Your Future Goals

To effectively write about your future plans for school, you need to begin by working out what those goals are. This process involves reflecting on your passions, aspirations, and academic interests. A well-rounded approach can often be achieved by discussing both your immediate future plans and your long-term goals.

Starting with a Tangible Example

If you are submitting a Common App Essay, you can start your essay by providing a tangible example of a passion you want to develop more in college and beyond. For instance, consider an applicant who wrote about her struggles with art. She was an artist who could emulate a real-life object with precision but faced questions about her artistic creativity beyond mere replication. By the end of her essay, she realized she loved art history and was inspired to experiment more. This example resulted in her admission to Yale for art history, with a future plan to become a curator. However, be mindful that some schools require a 'Why Major' supplemental essay, which you will need to address.

Structuring Your Essay

To structure your essay effectively, start by preparing an outline. This outline should consist of a three-paragraph essay. The first paragraph is the introduction, where you inform the reader what you will be discussing. The second paragraph serves as the body, where you delve into the details. Finally, the third paragraph acts as the conclusion, summarizing your points.

Using a Fictional Angle

Writing about future plans for school doesn't have to be a strictly non-fictional endeavor. If you want to have some fun with it, consider writing a couple of alternate storylines. For example, you can write one where you become an Academic Grand Guru, or another where you pursue a career in trade school, learning either plumbing or carpentry. Use these alternate scenarios to showcase your versatility and passion for different academic pursuits.

Creating a Chronological Plan

Unless your teacher has specified a certain essay format, simply lay out a chronological plan for your goals. Describe what you hope to achieve in the next year, five years, and ten years. For example, state that by next year you plan to have completed 10 books on astrophysics. Explain how you will achieve this goal and why it is important to you. Similarly, detail your 5-year and 10-year plans, discussing what you will do and why.

Writing the Paper

Writing the actual paper requires a bit of storytelling. Since very few people have concrete plans as high schoolers, you are essentially telling a fictional story about what you want to accomplish. Use this opportunity to showcase your creativity and clear vision for your future. Make sure each paragraph has its own thesis statement to guide your narrative.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can craft a compelling essay that will not only impress admissions officers but also demonstrate your passion, commitment, and academic potential. Good luck as you navigate this important part of your college application process.