From a Student’s Perspective: Four Tips for Writing Your Otis College Essay

Emily Samona, a senior in the Graphic Design program at Otis College, offers advice on how to write an essay for the Otis College application.

Extracurriculars, grades, and testing scores show the amazing work you’ve done, but what about showing who you are as an artist in your essay? Your Otis College essay is one of the unique parts of the application process where you get to express yourself directly to Admissions. It is all about your background, your influences, and the powerful moments that impacted your passion to study art and design. It can often be intimidating knowing where to begin and exactly what to say to make sure your essay stands out. 

Taking a moment to reflect can help your overall goal become much less daunting. How can you help the reader understand the person and the artist behind your work? You can follow the four tips below to write a fantastic college essay that is both memorable and uniquely reflective of your creativity. 

1. Avoid Artistic Clichés by Speaking About What Only You Can

There are many topics that overwhelm college essays for art schools. “I’ve been drawing ever since I was little” or “Art has always been my escape” are not bad starting points for your writing. However, these points become truly meaningful when they are related back to your specific experiences. 

Asking yourself what perspective on a topic you can offer that others cannot will help you create a personal narrative. Describing your personal feelings and emotions in a way that only you can describe them will be impactful. Specificity is key to making even a common subject new and exciting. 

2. Show Off Your Creative Personality with Your Voice and Tone

Your Otis essay is not about how perfect your writing structure can be; it is about the person behind the writing itself. The tone you use in an essay can bring your personality to life beyond the page and give your reader an idea of the talented person who will be showing up in the studio every day. 

Speak the way you would naturally, even if it is a little bit quirky. An admissions essay reader is looking for an emerging artist with a strong point of view. When your essay is a reflection of you, it will stick with them. 

3. Write Now, Refine Later

Often, when putting large pressure on a project such as a college essay, it is easy to stress out about the small details in the process. This can lead to your essay feeling less authentic or cause you to miss major details that are important. Think of it like a rough sketch: get all your ideas out before you move it to your canvas. 

Remember: you are writing about your experiences, in your voice. In a first draft, do not overthink the details, just let it flow. 

Once you have completed a draft, ask someone you trust and who knows you, like a parent, sibling, or friend, to read your essay. Just remember to allow plenty of time for edits and revisions. You will thank yourself. 

4. Prioritize Artistic Reflection

Otis wants art and design students to be capable and mature, so showing how your experiences shaped your creative identity will help. 

It is not always about a life-changing event. Maybe a childhood arts and crafts project started your obsession with texture and color. Maybe your first-ever painting made you realize your potential. What matters most is how you grew from those earlier events. 

A wonderful and standout Otis essay does not need a dramatic climax. It should be true to you and your outlook. Whether you are focusing on a small but impactful moment or a large event that shaped you as a person, remember to reflect as honestly and as creatively as possible, and revise with intention. These tips will help you create an essay the admissions committee will understand and take with them beyond your application.

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