The Essays That Got Me into Northwestern University

Written by FLP Alum Erica Salazar, Class of 2023

College applications are stressful, and essays often make it worse. You start questioning everything: Is this good enough? Will admissions officers really see who I am? You rewrite the same essay over and over, trying to make it perfect. Four years ago, that was me. Finding a topic felt impossible, I didn’t think I had anything special to say, and I had no idea where to start.   

Eventually, I learned your story doesn’t have to be extraordinary, it just has to be yours. Here’s my advice on how to tell it. 

Why Statements

Almost all universities ask for a “Why” statement. There are many variations, but all ask a similar question: Why us?

This is where research matters. Admissions officers want to see that your interest is genuine, not generic. Think about your life at that school, the classes you would take, the communities you would join, and the opportunities you would find.

Northwestern’s why?

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

When preparing my essay, I explored the organizations listed on Northwestern’s website and chose a few that I could genuinely see myself being part of. My heritage is deeply important to me, so I knew I wanted to join an organization that would allow me to stay connected to my roots. Law has always been a passion of mine, so finding a related student group was a no-brainer. The other organizations I mentioned were ones I found interesting and fun, but they also offered opportunities for personal growth and helped me connect my out-of-state experience to campus life.

How I answered:

Northwestern offers countless opportunities that will allow me to grow and expand my capabilities. As a Mexican American student who has been around both business and law, I want to take advantage of all the available organizations that will help me expand my knowledge in those two fields while working on my public speaking and presentation skills.

Alianza- The Latinx Student Alliance club will allow me to stay in touch with my roots while helping me meet other Latino students. The Associated Students Government and Global Engagement Summit will expand my abilities to engage in legal and political discussions ensuring that once I graduate, I can present myself and my opinions in a well-versed manner while engaging in a topic I consider my passion.

While it is very important to participate in organizations that will expand a passion, I strongly believe we should join clubs that will help us learn real-life lessons to be able to succeed, especially for a student like me who will be away from home. Cookology and the Investment Management Club will help me do just that. Even though I do like to cook, my abilities are limited. I hope to learn more recipes and skills so I can make my own meals that aren’t just pasta or salmon with rice. The Investments Management Club will teach me how to invest. Investing is not only a skill that I find interesting but also helpful. All these organizations will ensure that my time at Northwestern is memorable, busy, helpful, and even more impactful than it would already be.

Personal Statements

A personal statement is your chance to show admissions officers who you are, not just how amazing your family members are. It sounds simple, but my best advice is to start writing. It doesn’t have to be a big, full thought-out idea. It can be as simple as:

• A word that particularly resonates with you

• Your favorite color

• A memory or a phrase you grew up hearing

Once you have a few ideas, start branching out and expanding them. If you find yourself struggling to write more about a topic, let your mind wander again, then focus on the idea that feels the easiest to grow.

Strong essays come from meaningful connections, not sad events and can cover almost anything. For example, when I helped my cousin brainstorm ideas for her essay, I suggested writing about four-wheelers. It might sound silly at first, but it was something she genuinely connected with. We grew up riding them, had a few accidents, and still got back on every time. That experience reflected her perseverance, something she could expand on and tie back to who she is today.

For me, being the eldest daughter in my Mexican household shaped who I am today. Being a trailblazer for my siblings and carrying that responsibility pushed me to become more independent, themes I carried through my essay.

Excerpts from my Personal Statement

[M]y reality in a traditional Mexican household structured with rules. As a girl and as the oldest child I had a couple of rules I had to follow.

Number one, you are not allowed to make mistakes. I was constantly reminded from a young age that I am my cousin’s role model. Even though I was just starting to learn how to manage school, I was always aware that my family watched my every move.

Number two, you are not allowed to be sad or take breaks. My parents and grandparents came to the U.S. with nothing and worked their way up. My dad, who was also in high school, managed to balance both school and a job and succeeded.

Number five, you are not allowed to be anything but perfect. I was the perfect daughter, granddaughter, and niece. I was a high achieving student. I would always greet my family members when arriving and departing family gatherings. I would never decline a request, and most importantly: I behaved.

While my family seems to think that these rules and traditions were “por mi bien” (for my good) and that I am a prime example that they work, what my parents fail to acknowledge is that they have pushed me away.

I am a lot stronger and more independent compared to the little girl I used to be. While being the oldest in this traditional Mexican household did teach me how to be respectful, I had to learn how to draw the line and speak up. If I, who am supposed to be the role model, can't voice my own opinion, how am I supposed to encourage my cousins to speak up?

Final Thoughts

My final piece of advice is to always have someone, whether a teacher, mentor, or peer, read your essay and give you feedback. A fresh set of eyes can help catch repetition, make sure you stay focused on your main point, and identify grammar or clarity issues you might miss on your own.

College essays can feel overwhelming but remember that there is no “perfect” story only your story. Trust yourself, take your time, and let your voice come through. If you do that, you’re already doing more than enough.