What are some effective strategies for writing a standout college application essay?

Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal at this stage, but there are some concrete steps you can take to craft a memorable essay. The best college essays are those that tell a unique story only you can tell, rather than simply summarizing your resume or listing every activity you’ve participated in.

One effective strategy is to zoom in on a single moment, event, or detail that had a significant impact on you. Instead of trying to cover everything, focus on a specific experience and describe how it influenced your perspective, values, or goals. For example, instead of writing, “Moving to a new school was challenging but taught me resilience,” you might write about a day you felt out of place at your new school cafeteria and how a small act of kindness changed your outlook. That kind of storytelling draws the reader in and shows your authenticity.

Finding a theme or thread that ties your essay together can help with structure. Many students use a narrative arc: set up the scene, explain the conflict or challenge, show your response or growth, and conclude with what you learned. Dialogue or vivid sensory details can also make your story more engaging. Instead of telling, "I felt nervous," you could show it with, "My palms were sweaty as I waited outside the audition room."

As for topics to avoid, it’s best to steer clear of cliché subjects unless you have a very fresh take. Sports victories, generic community service experiences, or personal tragedies aren’t off-limits, but you'll need to approach them in a way that showcases your unique perspective. If you do write about something common – say, a sports injury – focus on how this moment led to unexpected growth or interest, such as starting a club or new hobby during recovery.

Remember to keep your voice natural. If you wouldn’t say something out loud, it probably doesn’t belong in your essay. Reading your essay aloud is a great trick to catch awkward phrasing and make sure it feels like you. Share your draft with someone who knows you well to see if your personality shines through.

An example of a standout essay might be about how practicing magic tricks at family gatherings taught you the value of preparation—and about overcoming stage fright. The key is to delve into the lesson or change rather than just describing the activity.

Ultimately, the best essays give readers a feeling of who you are behind the grades and test scores. Highlight depth, detail, and authenticity, and you’ll be on the right track.