What are the main parts of a college essay supposed to be?

The structure of a college essay is more flexible than, say, the typical five-paragraph analytical essay you might write for English class. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, successful college essays do tend to include certain key elements, though the order and style can vary.

The most common approach is the one you mentioned: start with a hook (something engaging to draw the reader in), provide some context/background, build a narrative or dive into the topic, show what you learned or how you grew, and end with some kind of resolution or reflection. But colleges don’t require a strict structure as long as your essay is clear, cohesive, and reveals something meaningful about you.

Here's a breakdown that might help:

1. Hook: This is often a vivid scene, image, or line of dialogue that pulls the reader right into your story. For example, 'The doctor’s words blurred as I clutched the soccer ball in my lap.'

2. Context/Background: After grabbing attention, provide enough background so that your reader understands where you are, what’s happening, and why it matters.

3. Challenge or Turning Point: Share the main event, conflict, or realization. It could be a specific moment you struggled with, a question you couldn't answer, or an unexpected opportunity.

4. Growth/Reflection: Colleges want to see how you changed, what you learned, or how your view shifted. Be specific about what the experience meant for you.

5. Closing/Tie-back: Wrap up your story with a strong ending. Sometimes this means returning to your opening image or connecting back to an idea from earlier in the essay.

Some essays are told through snapshots—a series of short moments that together reveal something essential about you. Others might use dialogue, a circular structure, or even experiment with non-chronological order.

For example, one student wrote about their job at an ice cream shop, starting with the chaos of a summer rush, then weaving in moments where they learned to handle difficult customers, and finally connecting those lessons to a passion for community building. The essay felt cohesive because each scene connected back to the main theme and ended with a clear, personal insight.

Ultimately, focus on what story you’re telling and why it matters. Use structure to make your message clear, but don’t feel boxed in by any single template. If you’re ever unsure, read sample essays and see which structures you enjoy the most. And showing your draft to a trusted reviewer can help you see whether your story flows and if each part supports your main message.