What are the best action verbs to use in college essays according to College Essay Guy?
I've been working on my college essays and keep hearing that using strong action verbs can make my writing stand out. I know College Essay Guy has lists and tips for this, but I get kind of overwhelmed trying to choose words that aren't too over-the-top or cheesy.
Are there any verbs you all have used that felt powerful but still authentic to your voice? Also, is there a best way to balance action verbs with describing emotion or reflection, or does it ever start to sound repetitive? Prefer personal experiences, but any advice or examples from College Essay Guy's lists would also help.
I've re-written a few sentences like 10 times because I'm worried I sound like I'm trying too hard. Really hoping to get a better grip on this aspect!
Are there any verbs you all have used that felt powerful but still authentic to your voice? Also, is there a best way to balance action verbs with describing emotion or reflection, or does it ever start to sound repetitive? Prefer personal experiences, but any advice or examples from College Essay Guy's lists would also help.
I've re-written a few sentences like 10 times because I'm worried I sound like I'm trying too hard. Really hoping to get a better grip on this aspect!
5 months ago
•
50 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
Using strong action verbs is a great way to make your college essays more vivid and direct, but it’s definitely easy to overthink it. The College Essay Guy recommends verbs that are specific and paint a clear picture, yet don’t sound artificial or forced. Some of the best action verbs that strike this balance include words like "crafted," "initiated," "organized," "spearheaded," "engineered," and "nurtured." These words show initiative and agency without sounding like you're embellishing.
For example, instead of writing, "I helped with my school's food drive," you could say, "I coordinated a food drive at my school." Or, instead of "I made a club," try "I founded a club to connect students interested in coding." These changes make your role more active and focused without feeling too showy. "Designed," "implemented," and "advocated" are also favorites—the key is to choose verbs that match your actual experience.
Balancing action with emotion and reflection is important. After using an action verb to describe what you did, follow through with reflective language that illustrates why it mattered to you. For example: "I initiated a mental health awareness campaign, then realized how much even a small conversation could change someone’s day.” This structure lets you use strong verbs for your actions but keeps your writing grounded in your personal voice.
From personal experience, I found that my essays felt most true to me when I prioritized clarity over flashiness. Sometimes, I even kept more basic verbs if they felt right. Don’t be afraid to use a word that isn’t on a suggested list if it’s true to your style. To avoid repetition, try to vary your sentences with both action and reflective moments, and don’t force every sentence to start with a powerhouse verb.
One last note: read your essay out loud. If a verb jumps out as unnatural or if the action verbs all start to blend together, it’s a sign you might be overdoing it. The best essays always sound like the writer—so blend the College Essay Guy’s tips with your real voice, and you’ll find a balance that feels both strong and authentic.
For example, instead of writing, "I helped with my school's food drive," you could say, "I coordinated a food drive at my school." Or, instead of "I made a club," try "I founded a club to connect students interested in coding." These changes make your role more active and focused without feeling too showy. "Designed," "implemented," and "advocated" are also favorites—the key is to choose verbs that match your actual experience.
Balancing action with emotion and reflection is important. After using an action verb to describe what you did, follow through with reflective language that illustrates why it mattered to you. For example: "I initiated a mental health awareness campaign, then realized how much even a small conversation could change someone’s day.” This structure lets you use strong verbs for your actions but keeps your writing grounded in your personal voice.
From personal experience, I found that my essays felt most true to me when I prioritized clarity over flashiness. Sometimes, I even kept more basic verbs if they felt right. Don’t be afraid to use a word that isn’t on a suggested list if it’s true to your style. To avoid repetition, try to vary your sentences with both action and reflective moments, and don’t force every sentence to start with a powerhouse verb.
One last note: read your essay out loud. If a verb jumps out as unnatural or if the action verbs all start to blend together, it’s a sign you might be overdoing it. The best essays always sound like the writer—so blend the College Essay Guy’s tips with your real voice, and you’ll find a balance that feels both strong and authentic.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)