What do colleges actually want to see in application essays?

It’s very normal to overthink college essays, especially with so much pressure to stand out. When admissions officers read your application essays, their main goal is to get a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They are looking for authenticity, self-awareness, and personal insight. It's not about picking a 'perfect' topic, but more about how you approach it and what your story reveals about you.

Essays that work well usually have a few things in common. First, they give the reader a vivid sense of the applicant’s personality. Admissions officers want to see your unique voice come through—they want to feel like they’re getting a window into your life or worldview. Second, strong essays reflect on personal growth, values, or the way you think. It helps if you can show some kind of change, realization, or unique perspective, rather than just describing an activity or event.

For example, writing about an activity can be effective, but it’s important to avoid a generic description of being 'dedicated' or 'hard working.' Instead, focus on a specific moment within that activity that had meaning or offered a lesson. Maybe organizing a small, behind-the-scenes event for your club challenged you to advocate for yourself in a new way, or a failed project taught you something unexpected about collaboration. Small, detailed stories are often more powerful than sweeping life events.

As for topics, there’s no secret formula. Big challenges are only impactful if they’re deeply personal and not just mentioned for dramatic effect. Everyday moments or quirky interests can be just as revealing—sometimes an essay about making your grandmother’s recipe or building a backyard birdhouse stands out because it feels real and honest.

Remember: admissions officers have read thousands of essays about sports, overcoming academic struggles, and moving to new places. If you choose one of these, make sure you offer a perspective or detail most people wouldn’t think to include. Above all, show how your experiences have shaped who you are and how you approach the world.

Take some pressure off yourself by starting with stories that matter to you. You might find your strongest essay idea in a very small or personal moment. If you’d like an example, one student wrote about their peculiar hobby of organizing neighborhood garage sales, which led to reflection on building community and learning from neighbors of all ages.

Focus less on the 'wow' factor and more on being genuine, reflective, and specific. That’s really what colleges want to see.