What does an 'average' college essay actually look like?

It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain about where your essay stands in comparison to others. There isn't a universal 'average' essay, but generally, an average college essay does a competent job of answering the prompt, shares something about the writer, but may lack a strong, unique perspective or particularly engaging storytelling.

Most average essays are organized and clear, with very few grammar errors. They usually describe an activity, a challenge, or an interest — sometimes in a way that could apply to lots of students. For example, someone might write about volunteering, joining a club, or balancing school and extracurriculars. These essays fulfill what admissions officers expect, but they might not be especially memorable or reveal a distinctive voice.

Here's a brief hypothetical snippet of what an 'average' essay might look like:

"Last year, I joined the robotics club at my school. At first, I didn’t know how to program, but my teammates helped me learn the basics. There were times I struggled to understand some concepts, but I realized that asking questions was the best way to grow. By the end of the year, I helped our team reach the finals in a state competition. Robotics taught me persistence and how to work in a team, and now I want to continue learning about engineering in college."

This essay is clear and focused, and it does what it needs to do. It talks about growth, teamwork, and a specific interest. However, it doesn’t break new ground or share personal insights in a way that feels unique to the writer — which is why it falls into the 'average' category.

For the schools you're targeting, an essay at this level is often just fine, especially if the rest of your application is solid. If you want to elevate your essay, focus on finding specific moments, personal details, or reflections that only you could write. But if your writing is organized, clearly answers the prompt, and shows genuine effort, you’re likely on the right track for many state and less-selective private schools.

If you’re comfortable, have a teacher or counselor read your essay and give feedback. Sometimes, just getting another set of eyes can reassure you about where you’re at and help you see ways to add a more personal touch if you want. Keep going — you’re probably doing better than you think!