What are some takeaways from reading the best essays on College Essay Guy?

One of the biggest takeaways from reading the best essays on College Essay Guy is that there's no single right way to write a powerful college essay—the standout factor is authenticity and a strong sense of voice.

Many of those essays share a few key traits: they focus on a specific moment or series of moments instead of trying to pack in a full life story. That zoomed-in approach makes the writing feel vivid and honest. For example, an essay about making tamales with a grandmother is much more impactful than a broad story about "family traditions." You start to get a sense of the writer's values through those details.

Another pattern is vulnerability. The best essays don't hide imperfections or shy away from tough topics, and they show the writer's personality through little quirks, humor, or unique perspectives. Even when an essay is funny, there’s usually an undercurrent of something deeper—like what the humor reveals about how someone sees the world or handles challenges.

In terms of structure, a lot of essays play with time or use creative hooks. Some start right in the middle of the action, while others open with a vivid image or a surprising sentence that draws you in. They tend to avoid big, generic statements and focus on "show, don’t tell"—using small specific details that make the story come alive. For instance, instead of saying "I’m hardworking," one essay might show it through a scene where the writer wakes up at 4am to help a sibling get ready for school while making their own breakfast on the go.

If you want to use what you learned in your own drafts, start by brainstorming moments that only you could write about—details or experiences you wouldn’t expect anyone else to share. It’s helpful to write drafts focusing on a single scene versus trying to tell everything. Try sharing your draft with someone who doesn’t know you well and ask what personality traits or interests they notice—if your core ideas come through without you stating them outright, you’re doing it right.

Bottom line: great essays are personal, specific, and make the reader feel like they've genuinely met you by the time they're done. If you focus on those elements, your essay will stand out in its own unique way.