What is a good structure or template to follow for my college essay?
I've been working on brainstorming ideas for my personal statement, but I'm getting kind of stuck when it comes to actually organizing my essay. Is there a preferred template or structure that admissions officers like to see? For example, should I start with a hook, then background, then my main point, etc? Or is it okay to use a totally different format if it feels natural to my story?
I'm also worried about making sure the essay flows well and doesn't sound too formulaic. If anyone has recommendations or examples of ways they structured their essays that worked, I'd really appreciate it! I'm a rising senior and want to get a head start this summer so I can be less stressed in the fall.
I'm also worried about making sure the essay flows well and doesn't sound too formulaic. If anyone has recommendations or examples of ways they structured their essays that worked, I'd really appreciate it! I'm a rising senior and want to get a head start this summer so I can be less stressed in the fall.
4 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
There isn't a single 'correct' structure for a college essay, but there are a few common strategies that help keep your story organized and engaging. Admissions officers tend to appreciate essays that flow naturally, show authenticity, and offer insight into who you are—not essays that look like they came out of a worksheet. That said, having a loose framework can go a long way in making your essay clear and compelling.
One classic structure is the "narrative arc":
1. Start with a hook—an engaging scene, anecdote, or striking statement. This draws the reader in.
2. Provide some context or background. Let the reader know what's at stake or why the moment matters.
3. Dig into the development or main point. Show what happened, how you responded, and your thought process.
4. Reflect on the experience. Explain how it changed you, what you learned, or how it shapes your goals.
5. End with a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression (sometimes tying back to the original hook or looking to the future).
For example, one student started with a brief moment (their first failed attempt at baking a cake), then wove in background about their family, explored their evolving relationship with failure, and wrapped it up with how they're now excited by challenges. This worked well because it focused on specifics, used vivid scenes, and made the student’s voice shine through.
Alternatively, you can experiment with more creative structures if it fits your topic—such as weaving several short scenes together, starting in the middle of the action (in medias res), using dialogue, or even writing in the style of journal entries if it feels authentic.
The key is that your essay shouldn’t feel like a formula. If you can lead the reader through your growth or perspective in a natural way—whether by following a familiar arc or being more inventive—admissions officers will appreciate it. Also, read essays from friends or older students for inspiration on various structures, but make yours uniquely yours. Have someone else read your draft to check for flow. You’ll be surprised how having another set of eyes can help with organization!
Starting early like you are is a great idea. Play around with structures as you draft, and you’ll find what works best for your story and voice.
One classic structure is the "narrative arc":
1. Start with a hook—an engaging scene, anecdote, or striking statement. This draws the reader in.
2. Provide some context or background. Let the reader know what's at stake or why the moment matters.
3. Dig into the development or main point. Show what happened, how you responded, and your thought process.
4. Reflect on the experience. Explain how it changed you, what you learned, or how it shapes your goals.
5. End with a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression (sometimes tying back to the original hook or looking to the future).
For example, one student started with a brief moment (their first failed attempt at baking a cake), then wove in background about their family, explored their evolving relationship with failure, and wrapped it up with how they're now excited by challenges. This worked well because it focused on specifics, used vivid scenes, and made the student’s voice shine through.
Alternatively, you can experiment with more creative structures if it fits your topic—such as weaving several short scenes together, starting in the middle of the action (in medias res), using dialogue, or even writing in the style of journal entries if it feels authentic.
The key is that your essay shouldn’t feel like a formula. If you can lead the reader through your growth or perspective in a natural way—whether by following a familiar arc or being more inventive—admissions officers will appreciate it. Also, read essays from friends or older students for inspiration on various structures, but make yours uniquely yours. Have someone else read your draft to check for flow. You’ll be surprised how having another set of eyes can help with organization!
Starting early like you are is a great idea. Play around with structures as you draft, and you’ll find what works best for your story and voice.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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