How do I make my college entrance essay stand out?

The story itself doesn’t always have to be groundbreaking; what matters most is how you interpret your experience and express your personal growth. Admissions officers read countless essays about moving, adapting, or overcoming challenges, so the key is to show a side of yourself that only you can share.

Instead of focusing broadly on the move, consider zooming in on a single moment that captures your feelings and transformation. For example, you could focus on the first lunch period at your new school when you didn’t know anyone, and the specific choice you made that day—maybe you introduced yourself to a group, or perhaps you noticed someone else sitting alone and connected with them. By exploring the details, your individual perspective and emotions will come through. Use sensory language and reflect on how this moment changed you, even in small ways. Admissions readers remember essays that convey vulnerability and authentic insight, even about everyday topics.

It’s also helpful to find an angle or theme tying your story together. Maybe the move taught you the importance of starting small or made you develop the habit of carrying a token from your old home as a source of comfort. Something specific and personal adds depth.

As for getting help with editing: absolutely ask for feedback! It’s common (and smart) to have teachers, counselors, or trusted adults suggest edits, especially for clarity, grammar, and flow. Just make sure that every word, idea, and overall style remain true to you. Readers can spot when an essay sounds over-edited or loses the writer’s authentic voice.

To sum up: how you tell your story and what you learned are just as important—if not more—than the uniqueness of the topic. Make it personal, detailed, and reflective. And don’t hesitate to seek help to polish your essay, as long as your voice stays in the spotlight.