What is a good outline for a college application essay?
I'm working on my Common App essay and I'm honestly struggling to figure out how to organize my thoughts. Some people say you should do an intro, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion, while others just sort of tell a story. I don’t want my essay to seem too formulaic but I also don’t want to ramble or go off topic.
For people who have finished their essays or gotten feedback from counselors, can you share what outline or structure actually worked? Did you start with a story, or with a statement? I want to make sure the colleges see my personality and growth, but it feels overwhelming to fit it into 650 words.
Any specific tips or sample outlines would be really helpful. I want to start drafting soon and just feel a little lost at the starting block.
For people who have finished their essays or gotten feedback from counselors, can you share what outline or structure actually worked? Did you start with a story, or with a statement? I want to make sure the colleges see my personality and growth, but it feels overwhelming to fit it into 650 words.
Any specific tips or sample outlines would be really helpful. I want to start drafting soon and just feel a little lost at the starting block.
2 weeks ago
•
4 views
Lydia Schooler
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
Feeling overwhelmed at the start of your Common App essay is totally normal, and figuring out the structure ahead of time can seriously make things less intimidating. While there’s no single “right” outline, a strong college essay usually balances storytelling, reflection, and personal insight—without sounding like a five-paragraph English paper.
One effective structure is the "narrative arc" approach. Think of it like telling a story in three acts:
1. Hook (first 1-2 paragraphs): Drop the reader into a compelling moment or image from your life. Lead with action, dialogue, or a surprising thought to grab attention. For example, someone wrote about the chaos of their family’s annual backyard oyster roast, using vivid details to introduce both the scene and themselves.
2. Pivot and Reflection (middle paragraphs): Zoom out from that moment to explain why it mattered to you. What did it reveal about your personality, background, or values? How did you change, or what did you learn? This is where you can show your growth or evolving perspective.
3. Resolution and Look Forward (final paragraph): Connect the experience to your future. How has this moment or lesson influenced who you are today, or who you want to become in college? You might tie back to your opening to create a satisfying sense of closure.
Another popular approach is the “montage,” where you use a series of smaller anecdotes or scenes that connect under a single theme—showing different sides of yourself, like puzzle pieces. For example, if you love building things, you could share quick stories about fixing your neighbor’s bike, creating a Rube Goldberg machine, and troubleshooting your school’s 3D printer, reflecting on what each moment taught you.
No matter which structure you use, make sure:
- The essay is focused on YOU—not just what happened, but your thoughts, reactions, and growth.
- There's a thread connecting the beginning, middle, and end.
- Each sentence moves the story or your reflection forward; aim for conciseness over listing too many separate ideas.
Try sketching a quick outline first:
- Hook/moment
- Why it mattered
- What you did or felt
- How you changed
- What you’ll bring to college (or how you’ll approach the future)
Ultimately, the best essays reveal your individuality and insight, whether the frame is a vivid story or a thoughtful montage. Don’t worry if your first draft feels messy or long—most strong essays are shaped through revision. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to experiment with a few outlines before you commit to one!
One effective structure is the "narrative arc" approach. Think of it like telling a story in three acts:
1. Hook (first 1-2 paragraphs): Drop the reader into a compelling moment or image from your life. Lead with action, dialogue, or a surprising thought to grab attention. For example, someone wrote about the chaos of their family’s annual backyard oyster roast, using vivid details to introduce both the scene and themselves.
2. Pivot and Reflection (middle paragraphs): Zoom out from that moment to explain why it mattered to you. What did it reveal about your personality, background, or values? How did you change, or what did you learn? This is where you can show your growth or evolving perspective.
3. Resolution and Look Forward (final paragraph): Connect the experience to your future. How has this moment or lesson influenced who you are today, or who you want to become in college? You might tie back to your opening to create a satisfying sense of closure.
Another popular approach is the “montage,” where you use a series of smaller anecdotes or scenes that connect under a single theme—showing different sides of yourself, like puzzle pieces. For example, if you love building things, you could share quick stories about fixing your neighbor’s bike, creating a Rube Goldberg machine, and troubleshooting your school’s 3D printer, reflecting on what each moment taught you.
No matter which structure you use, make sure:
- The essay is focused on YOU—not just what happened, but your thoughts, reactions, and growth.
- There's a thread connecting the beginning, middle, and end.
- Each sentence moves the story or your reflection forward; aim for conciseness over listing too many separate ideas.
Try sketching a quick outline first:
- Hook/moment
- Why it mattered
- What you did or felt
- How you changed
- What you’ll bring to college (or how you’ll approach the future)
Ultimately, the best essays reveal your individuality and insight, whether the frame is a vivid story or a thoughtful montage. Don’t worry if your first draft feels messy or long—most strong essays are shaped through revision. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to experiment with a few outlines before you commit to one!