How do I get better at writing college application essays?

It's totally normal to feel stressed about the college essay process, especially if writing doesn't feel like your natural strength. But you don't need a headline-grabbing story to write a compelling essay—what matters most is how you reflect on your experiences and what they reveal about you.

Focusing on a single, specific experience often leads to stronger essays. Instead of covering several topics broadly, try zooming in on a moment or story that meant a lot to you—even if it seems 'ordinary.' For example, instead of writing about your whole experience adjusting to a new school, you could write about the first lunch period where you took a risk to sit with new people and what that taught you. Moments of conflict or change are especially powerful because they let you show growth and self-awareness.

Originality often comes from your unique perspective, not the topic itself. Two people could write about similar subjects, but your honest reflections, voice, and takeaways make yours truly yours. For brainstorming, try listing out little moments that made you feel something strong—curiosity, fear, pride, embarrassment, determination, etc. Free-writing about these can help you uncover hidden material. Another technique is to ask friends or family what they see as your defining qualities or memorable stories about you; sometimes others spot what you overlook.

As you draft, start with raw, unfiltered writing rather than aiming for perfection. Organize your thoughts later—after you see what themes keep coming up. Outlines can help if you feel scattered: jot down key points you want to cover, then arrange them into a logical flow. During revision, focus on clarity, specific details (show, don’t just tell), and making sure your reflection ties everything back to your growth or worldview.

Lastly, give yourself permission to write badly at first—the magic happens in revising. Having someone you trust read your drafts can also help you see what actually stands out. Remember, even a small story told honestly often resonates much more than a dramatic one told generally.