What are some tips for writing a successful college essay?
I'm starting to work on my college essays, and honestly, it feels super overwhelming. I've read that the essay is one of the most important parts of the application, but I have no clue where to start or what to focus on.
For those who have gone through this before, or anyone with advice, what are some strategies that helped you write an essay that stands out? Should I prioritize telling a unique story, or is it better to focus on showing specific qualities about myself?
If you have any guide recommendations or things I should avoid doing, that would also be really helpful. I'm aiming for some selective schools, so I want to make sure I give this my best shot. Any advice or inspirations are much appreciated!
For those who have gone through this before, or anyone with advice, what are some strategies that helped you write an essay that stands out? Should I prioritize telling a unique story, or is it better to focus on showing specific qualities about myself?
If you have any guide recommendations or things I should avoid doing, that would also be really helpful. I'm aiming for some selective schools, so I want to make sure I give this my best shot. Any advice or inspirations are much appreciated!
6 months ago
•
55 views
Lydia Schooler
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Feeling overwhelmed is super common at the beginning of the college essay process. The pressure to stand out can feel intense, but focusing on a few key strategies can help you craft an impactful essay without getting lost in the noise.
First, try to anchor your essay around a specific moment, challenge, or experience that has shaped you. Rather than writing an entire autobiography or listing achievements, hone in on a story that reveals something deeper about your character or perspective. For example, instead of writing, “I’m hardworking—I spent all last year studying for AP Chemistry,” you could write about an evening when you grappled with a difficult problem set, described the emotions you felt, and how you dealt with frustration or failure. In those details, admissions officers get a window into who you are.
Prioritize moments that only you could write about, or, if covering a common topic (like a sports injury or moving to a new school), put your unique spin on it by highlighting an unusual outcome or emotion. If you have an interest or passion that isn’t obvious elsewhere on your application, here’s your chance to give it life—maybe your fascination with origami led you to create an art club or your work at a local diner taught you the importance of small acts of kindness.
Showing qualities—such as resilience, curiosity, or empathy—is more powerful than simply telling the reader those things. One way to achieve this is by using vivid details, dialogue, and reflection. A good structure is: set the scene with a specific anecdote, zoom into what you were thinking or feeling, and tie it back to how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned.
Pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t use too many clichés (e.g. ‘it taught me to never give up’ or ‘I realized the importance of hard work’).
- Don’t rehash your resume.
- Editing is your friend—a single draft is rarely your best work. Read your essay out loud and ask someone who doesn’t know you as well for honest feedback.
For inspiration, you might check out essay collections like "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld or read sample essays on official university admissions blogs. Even so, remember that your voice and authenticity matter most. If an essay feels forced or like it could belong to anyone, it probably needs more of your unique perspective.
Give yourself time for brainstorming, drafting, and revising. The strongest essays are honest and thoughtfully crafted; don’t be afraid to be vulnerable or show humor where it feels natural. Your story—told in your voice—will stand out most.
First, try to anchor your essay around a specific moment, challenge, or experience that has shaped you. Rather than writing an entire autobiography or listing achievements, hone in on a story that reveals something deeper about your character or perspective. For example, instead of writing, “I’m hardworking—I spent all last year studying for AP Chemistry,” you could write about an evening when you grappled with a difficult problem set, described the emotions you felt, and how you dealt with frustration or failure. In those details, admissions officers get a window into who you are.
Prioritize moments that only you could write about, or, if covering a common topic (like a sports injury or moving to a new school), put your unique spin on it by highlighting an unusual outcome or emotion. If you have an interest or passion that isn’t obvious elsewhere on your application, here’s your chance to give it life—maybe your fascination with origami led you to create an art club or your work at a local diner taught you the importance of small acts of kindness.
Showing qualities—such as resilience, curiosity, or empathy—is more powerful than simply telling the reader those things. One way to achieve this is by using vivid details, dialogue, and reflection. A good structure is: set the scene with a specific anecdote, zoom into what you were thinking or feeling, and tie it back to how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned.
Pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t use too many clichés (e.g. ‘it taught me to never give up’ or ‘I realized the importance of hard work’).
- Don’t rehash your resume.
- Editing is your friend—a single draft is rarely your best work. Read your essay out loud and ask someone who doesn’t know you as well for honest feedback.
For inspiration, you might check out essay collections like "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld or read sample essays on official university admissions blogs. Even so, remember that your voice and authenticity matter most. If an essay feels forced or like it could belong to anyone, it probably needs more of your unique perspective.
Give yourself time for brainstorming, drafting, and revising. The strongest essays are honest and thoughtfully crafted; don’t be afraid to be vulnerable or show humor where it feels natural. Your story—told in your voice—will stand out most.
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