What are colleges really looking for in application essays?
I've read a lot of advice online about how to write a good personal statement, but I'm still not totally sure what colleges actually want to see in essays. Some people say it should be super personal and others say you need to 'stand out,' but that's kind of vague.
Do colleges care more about unique stories or how you reflect on your experiences? Should I be focusing mostly on writing style, or is it more about the story and what it says about me? If anyone who has already gone through this process could share what worked for them or what they felt colleges responded best to in essays, I’d really appreciate it! I just want to make sure I'm on the right track before I start drafting.
Do colleges care more about unique stories or how you reflect on your experiences? Should I be focusing mostly on writing style, or is it more about the story and what it says about me? If anyone who has already gone through this process could share what worked for them or what they felt colleges responded best to in essays, I’d really appreciate it! I just want to make sure I'm on the right track before I start drafting.
4 months ago
•
22 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Colleges are ultimately looking for a glimpse of who you are beyond test scores and grades. Admissions readers want to understand your values, perspectives, and personality, and the essay is often their main chance to hear your authentic voice.
What sets a strong essay apart is not necessarily an extraordinary or unique story, but the depth of self-reflection. A mundane topic can become compelling if you show self-awareness and growth. For example, maybe you write about nightly family dinners and the subtle ways they shaped your communication skills or empathy. It's the insight you draw from your experiences that matters most.
Readers appreciate essays that show thoughtful introspection. Ask yourself: What does this experience reveal about how I think, what I care about, or how I solve problems? That level of reflection makes your writing feel genuine and memorable, even if the story isn’t headline-grabbing.
In terms of style, clarity and sincerity are more important than flashy prose. You don’t need to sound like a novelist—just aim for language that sounds like you, but polished. For instance, if humor is part of your personality, let it shine through naturally. If you’re more introspective, convey that in your tone.
An example: One student wrote about organizing a neighborhood recycling program, but what made the essay stand out was how she connected her frustration with community apathy to a newfound drive to tackle environmental issues with empathy and patience. The action itself wasn’t groundbreaking; her thoughtful reflection was.
My advice is to focus on being genuine and reflective. Write about experiences that are meaningful to you—even if they seem small—and concentrate on what you learned or how you changed. Make sure the essay says something about who you are today and who you hope to be in your new community. That’s what admissions officers remember.
What sets a strong essay apart is not necessarily an extraordinary or unique story, but the depth of self-reflection. A mundane topic can become compelling if you show self-awareness and growth. For example, maybe you write about nightly family dinners and the subtle ways they shaped your communication skills or empathy. It's the insight you draw from your experiences that matters most.
Readers appreciate essays that show thoughtful introspection. Ask yourself: What does this experience reveal about how I think, what I care about, or how I solve problems? That level of reflection makes your writing feel genuine and memorable, even if the story isn’t headline-grabbing.
In terms of style, clarity and sincerity are more important than flashy prose. You don’t need to sound like a novelist—just aim for language that sounds like you, but polished. For instance, if humor is part of your personality, let it shine through naturally. If you’re more introspective, convey that in your tone.
An example: One student wrote about organizing a neighborhood recycling program, but what made the essay stand out was how she connected her frustration with community apathy to a newfound drive to tackle environmental issues with empathy and patience. The action itself wasn’t groundbreaking; her thoughtful reflection was.
My advice is to focus on being genuine and reflective. Write about experiences that are meaningful to you—even if they seem small—and concentrate on what you learned or how you changed. Make sure the essay says something about who you are today and who you hope to be in your new community. That’s what admissions officers remember.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)