The tricky thing about citing classic books in your college essays is that they have achieved renown and critical distinction because they’re so compelling. We wouldn’t blame you for considering The Great Gatsby or Pride and Prejudice one of your favorite books — many scholars would agree! The trouble arises when these “required reading” books are the only literature you cite on your application. It doesn’t demonstrate your intellectual curiosity to praise a book that the vast majority of America has read, even if you genuinely have the most to say about one of these classics of the literary canon!

Put another way, what would you find more heartwarming: a handmade sweater from your loved one or a store-bought sweater gifted to you by said loved one? The handmade sweater might be less durable and far more expensive than its store-bought counterpart, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Most people would much rather receive a personalized gift than a mass-market one, even if the latter is more practical. Your tastes for literature, as reflected in your college application, are quite similar. Sure, To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece among American novels, but you don’t have to do much research or have a passion for English to feel this way. It feels less special. We consider classic books “low-hanging fruit” when cited in your application.

On the other hand, writing about a book that very few have read, one that takes specialty knowledge to know about and complements your singular admissions hook — now that shows you’re a true connoisseur of literature (or nonfiction, poetry, essays, you name it!). It could be a book on the niche scientific theory you seek to study in college. It could be a book of poetry that speaks to your cultural upbringing and heritage. Perhaps it’s an essay published by a little-known author you believe should have more recognition. Either way, you’ll impress admissions officers with your esoteric knowledge that most high schoolers couldn’t even dream of possessing!

How to Cite Books in College Essays

So you have the particular books you’d like to write about. Where do you begin? Books can be cited in your college essays to demonstrate how you dove into studying your singular hook, which is the entirely unique and often small way you will change the world through a specific passion, cause, discipline, or pursuit. So if your singular hook is about using machine learning to put a halt to climate change, cite a book on the subject to describe how you started to explore: “After discovering machine learning, I dove into the topic by reading…”

If your singular hook ties together Ancient Chinese calligraphy with feminist studies, describe the writings of a researcher who sits at these intersections. Walk us through a day when you stumbled upon this book, and briefly summarize key findings, especially those that guided your intellectual journey. And if you’re applying as a humanities student, let your literary talents run wild by describing your love affair with a work of significant importance to you.

Just don’t cite a classic! Show admissions officers you are a better researcher than that. By avoiding the obvious choices, you’re demonstrating your ability to think critically and independently. If you’re unsure what constitutes a classic, steer clear of anything you were assigned to read by a teacher. Don’t write about any book that can be found in the “Classics” or “Canon” section of a major bookstore. Avoid anything with household name recognition. If your academic tastes are as mundane as The Catcher in the Rye, why should admissions officers take the gamble on you and admit you to their campus?

Ivy Coach Will Help You Cite the Right Books

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with loving The Catcher in the Rye. It is an American classic. We’re not suggesting you abandon what you love to get into a top school. Instead, leave it to Ivy Coach to help you figure out the books that will demonstrate your intellectual prowess on your behalf. Our team of former elite college admissions officers will work with you to craft a competitive singular hook supported by a robust array of books, essays, and references that will impress even the snobbiest of admissions officers.

So, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services for optimizing your child’s case for admission to a highly selective college.