What are some tips for writing a great college essay?

One of the keys to writing a standout college essay is making sure it feels deeply personal and specific to you. Admissions officers at competitive schools read thousands of essays, so anything generic or overly broad usually doesn’t stick in their minds. Instead of trying to fit what you think they want, reflect on what genuinely matters to you or moments that shaped who you are.

A common mistake is choosing topics like winning a big game, getting a perfect score, or moving to a new school and focusing on the event generally, without digging into a specific moment or insight. Instead, zoom in on one experience that led you to a meaningful realization about yourself. For example, a friend of mine wrote about how fixing a broken espresso machine at their after-school job led them to appreciate creative problem-solving—they tied this to their passion for engineering. The essay wasn’t about the job or engineering in the abstract; it was about how a single, mundane but challenging experience revealed something important about their character and interests.

Let your personality shine through by including your voice, humor (if it suits you), and even quirks. Schools want to see the human behind the application. Writing in a way that highlights your thought processes, resilience, or sense of curiosity can be more impactful than simply listing achievements.

As you revise, read your essay aloud to see if it sounds like how you actually speak. Show, don’t just tell—illustrate your values and growth through anecdotes and specific details. Instead of saying "I care about my community," describe the small ways you’ve acted on that value, like organizing a recycling initiative or helping a neighbor learn English.

It’s also wise to ask a few trusted people (teachers, friends, or mentors) to review your draft, looking for places where your unique story comes through versus where it sounds generic.

Lastly, remember that the best essays rarely feel forced or written to impress. They read as authentic, thoughtful reflections of someone who knows themselves and is eager to grow. Focus on stories only you could tell. Those make admissions officers remember you.