How do you write a college essay that really stands out?

Feeling overwhelmed is very normal during the college essay process, especially with so much advice floating around. The good news is that there isn't a secret formula, but there are some strategies that can help your essay stand out.

Focus first on authenticity. Admissions officers can tell when you're trying too hard to impress or when you pick a topic just to be different. What they're really looking for is a window into who you are—not a resume recap or a collection of accolades. This is your chance to let your personality, values, and quirks shine through.

When deciding what to write about, reflect on moments that genuinely shaped you. Instead of tackling a huge theme or summarizing your whole life, zoom in on a single experience or scene that shows your character in action. For example, rather than writing a generic essay about being a team player, you could describe a specific time you advocated for a teammate under tough circumstances, and what that taught you about courage or leadership.

Specificity is key. Details bring your story to life and help the reader remember you. Admissions officers rave about essays that go deep instead of wide—where the writer unpacks what a moment meant to them or how it changed their perspective.

If you’re stuck, try brainstorming by listing a few life moments that made you feel strongly (proud, embarrassed, challenged, joyful). Write down what you learned from each. Pick one that still feels vivid and start writing out the scene, like you’re telling it to a friend. The deeper you dig into your unique perspective and how you grew, the more your essay will stand out.

In the end, don't worry about trying to be totally unique—the combination of your experiences and your voice is what provides that uniqueness. Go for honest and specific over big or dramatic. A single, well-told story can often make more impact than a sweeping summary of your entire high school career.