What are the different formats you can use for college essays?

You're definitely not limited to the traditional five-paragraph essay for your college application essays, and in fact, many strong essays use different formats to better showcase personal voice and experience. Admissions officers most want to see who you are, how you think, and what matters to you, so how you deliver that story is really up to you, as long as it's clear and authentic.

Here are some common essay formats and a quick look at how they work:

1. Narrative Chronological:
This format tells a story in a traditional beginning-to-end way, just like a short memoir. For example, you might walk the reader through the day you organized your first debate competition, including all your setbacks and final successes. The narrative structure works well if you have a clear turning point or moment of growth to share. You can also put a twist on this structure by starting with a hook paragraph, then going back in time to tell the rest of the story chronologically.

2. Montage:
A montage essay pieces together shorter anecdotes or scenes connected by a common theme or idea. Instead of following strict chronology, you jump between moments that illustrate your interests or personal growth.
For example, you could write about different items on your desk, using each one as a launching point for a brief story or insight (like a ticket from a science fair, a broken violin bow, or a favorite comic book). This is an effective format if you want to highlight several aspects of yourself without sticking to a single event.

3. Unconventional/Creative Formats:
Some essays might take the form of a script, a letter, a series of journal entries, or even a list. These unconventional formats often work best if they make sense given your interests and if they are used for supplemental essays, not the personal statement. For example, one student I worked with is very creative and involved in theater at her high school. For her top-choice college, she formatted her Why Us essay as a screenplay. This can be a bold, risky choice, but for her specific personality and interests, it makes perfect sense.

No matter which structure you pick, focus on being genuine and specific—it’s more important for your voice and perspective to shine through the structure. Many memorable essays rely on conveying emotion, reflection, and personal growth, not just following a specific format.

If you're on the fence, try outlining your story using two or three different structures and see which one gives you the most space to share your unique qualities. Ask someone to read draft versions and tell you which feels most engaging and personal. Ultimately, the "best" format is whichever helps you express yourself most honestly and powerfully.