What counts as a college-level argumentative essay for applications?

A "college-level argumentative essay" typically refers to an essay that demonstrates advanced critical thinking, strong organization, and the ability to build a persuasive argument—skills that go a bit beyond basic high school writing.

While there's no single universal standard, here are the typical expectations:

Length: College-level essays are often longer than basic high school ones—usually in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 words. However, for application or program requirements, they're sometimes shorter (around 500-1,000 words). Check specific prompts for page or word requirements.

Structure: Like AP Lang essays, you'll want a clear thesis statement, multiple body paragraphs that develop your argument, and evidence-based analysis. The difference is often in the complexity of the argument and the nuance in your reasoning. A college-level essay should acknowledge counterarguments and respond to them thoughtfully, not just state a position.

Sources: Colleges do expect you to integrate credible, relevant sources—not just personal opinions. Using 3-5 solid academic or journalistic sources is common. Advanced essays might synthesize a range of viewpoints. For instance, if writing about climate policy, you could compare economic, scientific, and ethical perspectives, weaving in evidence from reputable journals or think tanks.

Citation Style: There's usually no rigid requirement unless specified, but MLA or APA are common. The most important thing is consistency and clarity in your citations; a works cited or bibliography is expected.

Example: Imagine you're arguing whether universal basic income would benefit the U.S. economy. A strong college-level essay would:

- Open with a nuanced thesis (not just "UBI is good," but perhaps, "UBI, while carrying fiscal risks, can address income insecurity when paired with targeted job retraining programs").
- Use studies from economists, real-world case studies (like the Finland UBI experiment), and counterpoints from critics.
- Address at least one valid counterargument and analyze its merits.
- Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on implementation rather than just repeating your thesis.

A great sign you're on the right track: if your AP Lang teacher gave you solid marks for essays that made original arguments and used outside sources, you're probably meeting the standard. For applications or programs, you can always reach out to organizers asking for sample essays or clarifications.

The main thing admissions officers and program reviewers want to see is your ability to reason, argue with evidence, and write clearly. It's less about length or perfection, and more about demonstrating analytical thinking beyond typical high school work.