What are the best tips for writing a standout college essay?

Feeling uncertain about your college essay is extremely common, so you’re not alone! The college essay is one of the few places on your application where your voice shines through and where you can share something memorable. Here are some key strategies and tips to make your essay stand out:

1. Focus on a Specific Moment or Story: Rather than covering your life story or a long list of achievements, zoom in on a single moment that was meaningful to you. For example, one student wrote about the awkward silence during her first debate competition’s opening statement—how it felt, what she learned, and how it shaped her confidence. This level of detail drew readers in and made her story memorable.

2. Reflect, Don’t Just Narrate: Admissions officers are looking for more than a story; they want insight into your thinking. When you tell your story, follow up with reflection—how did this experience change you? What new perspectives did you gain? For instance, if you talk about a challenge, explain how it affected your values or future goals.

3. Avoid Overused Topics (or Make Them Exceptionally Personal): Topics like sports injuries, moving schools, or overcoming a class are common. If you want to write about these, find your own unique angle. Instead of writing about a season-ending soccer injury, for example, you might focus on the surprising way your recovery led you to discover a love for robotics or another new passion.

4. Show, Don’t Tell: Use specific details and sensory language so the reader can see, hear, and feel what you did. Instead of saying, “I’m resilient,” describe what you did and let the reader see your resilience in action. “I spent long afternoons figuring out how to balance on crutches while soldering LED lights for my science project” brings an experience to life.

5. Be Yourself: Your authentic voice is your biggest asset. Don’t write what you think admissions officers want to hear—write what matters to you. People often second-guess their ideas, but often your first instincts are the most genuine. If your essay could only be written by you, it’s more likely to stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Trying to impress with vocabulary or accomplishments instead of sincerity.
- Writing about what you think you “should” write about, rather than what excites or moves you.
- Ignoring the importance of revising and seeking feedback.

As a tip: Once you have a draft, ask a friend or teacher to read it and then describe you in three words. If those words match how you want to be perceived, you’re on the right track.

Many successful applicants doubted their essays during the process, so trust yourself and don’t be afraid to revise. Good luck—it’s a challenging but rewarding process and you’re already taking the right steps!