What are the biggest dos and don'ts for college essays?

Stressing over the college essay is completely normal, but feeling informed about what works (and what doesn't) can take a lot of pressure off. Here are the main dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

DO:
- Get specific and detailed. Readers appreciate genuine stories over generic statements. Paint a picture using details—describe a scene, capture dialogue, recall an emotion. For instance, instead of just saying “I care about community service,” describe one memorable moment that reveals why it matters to you.

- Show your unique perspective. Colleges want to understand how you think and what shapes your world view. If you have an experience—even if it’s a common one—focus on what you learned or how it changed you. Your unique angle is what sets you apart, not necessarily the subject matter itself.

- Be reflective. The best essays don't just narrate an event but also show what you took away from it. After describing a story or experience, make some space to reflect on its significance and how it shaped who you are.

DON'T:
- Use clichés or overused topics without a unique twist. Stories about winning the big game, overcoming a sports injury, or getting a good grade after hard work are very common and can easily feel cliché. If you touch on a familiar theme, hone in on an unexpected detail or a unique personal realization. For example, maybe getting benched during a soccer game led you to discover a love of coaching others, not just winning.

- Try too hard to impress. Avoid using overly formal language or words you wouldn't normally use; don't write what you *think* admissions wants to hear. They're looking for real, honest self-reflection, not a list of achievements or rehearsed "model answers."

- Get too casual or joke-y. Humor can be great if it's natural for you, but don't risk your essay sounding like a stand-up routine or a text to a friend. Keep it conversational but polished.

On tone: Somewhere between an English class essay and a conversation with a favorite teacher is usually perfect. Write how you’d talk if you were explaining your experience and growth to someone genuinely interested in your story: clear, honest, and thoughtful.

In short, let your essay sound like you at your most thoughtful. Make sure the admissions team finishes reading and thinks, “Now I understand who this person really is.”

If you're worried about being too personal, remember it's okay (and even good!) to be vulnerable—just keep the focus on what you learned, not only what happened. For example, if discussing a setback, highlight your growth or perspective, rather than lingering only on the negative.

Finally, have someone who doesn’t know your story read your essay. If they feel like they learned something about you they couldn’t pick up from your resume, you’re heading in the right direction.