What actually makes a college essay stand out as 'the best' to admissions officers?

This is such a common question, and you're far from alone in feeling like all the advice is starting to sound the same! While there's not a magic formula, there are certain qualities that make essays genuinely memorable to admissions readers—ways to leave a distinct impression even if your story isn't what you think of as flashy or 'impressive.'

The best college essays often:

- Dive deep into a very specific moment or insight. Instead of telling your whole life story, focus on a turning point, a challenge, or even a small but meaningful event that reveals something important about you. For example, one first-gen student wrote about fixing her family's broken washing machine—a seemingly ordinary event that became an exploration of problem-solving, perseverance, and the skills she brings to challenges.

- Are written in your authentic voice. Admissions officers read thousands of essays and can quickly spot essays with a forced or overly formal tone. The 'best' essays sound like a real person is telling you a story—sometimes with humor, vulnerability, or even uncertainty. Being genuine about your fears, hopes, or mistakes can be surprisingly powerful.

- Show, don’t just tell. Instead of saying "I work hard," illustrate it with a vivid scene—like piecing together college applications late at night after a part-time shift or explaining FAFSA paperwork to your parents. The details make your world come alive to the reader.

- Connect back to growth or perspective. Even if the moment you focus on is humble or challenging, the key is centering what you learned or how you changed. Maybe growing up in a small town taught you resourcefulness, or being first-gen shaped how you encounter uncertainty. Be direct about why that matters for who you are now.

You don't have to have a dramatic or 'unusual' story. What makes essays stand out is the depth of reflection and the trust readers feel in your voice. If you're honest and specific about what matters to you (even if it's just the story of helping your family or finding your own way in a small community), your essay will have impact.

A good gut-check: Could only YOU have written this essay, or might it fit almost anyone from a similar background? The more personal and specific you get, the more distinctive it becomes.

Don’t underestimate the power of your experiences—even if they don’t look like the sample essays you’ve seen online. Some of the most memorable essays are about ordinary moments, told with honesty and heart.