What are the main differences between college essays and high school essays?
I've heard that college essays and the essays we write in high school are really different, but I can't quite figure out how. For example, in my English classes, teachers usually want a five-paragraph essay with a thesis and evidence, but people keep saying that's not how you should write for college applications.
I'm a junior right now and starting to think about my personal statement, but I feel kind of lost. Are there specific things that colleges expect you to do differently, or specific topics they want? If anyone could share tips or even mistakes they made when they were first writing their college essay drafts, I’d really appreciate the advice.
Also, if it helps, my school doesn’t offer much guidance when it comes to college essays, so I’m pretty much relying on outside resources and advice from students here.
I'm a junior right now and starting to think about my personal statement, but I feel kind of lost. Are there specific things that colleges expect you to do differently, or specific topics they want? If anyone could share tips or even mistakes they made when they were first writing their college essay drafts, I’d really appreciate the advice.
Also, if it helps, my school doesn’t offer much guidance when it comes to college essays, so I’m pretty much relying on outside resources and advice from students here.
5 months ago
•
43 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
College application essays and high school academic essays are pretty different in several important ways, both in style and purpose. High school essays (like the classic five-paragraph structure with intro, thesis, evidence, and conclusion) are mainly designed to assess your analytical or argumentative writing skills. They're usually formal, focused on a particular book or historical event, and you’re often told to avoid the first person.
College essays, on the other hand, are more personal narratives. The main focus is YOU—your values, growth, and personality. Instead of analyzing literature or making an argument with external evidence, you're telling a story about yourself. It's much closer to creative nonfiction than traditional academic writing, and colleges want to get to know who you are beyond grades and test scores.
For example, a strong college essay might start in the middle of an experience: "My hands shook as I dialed the number. Calling City Hall to propose my idea, I realized I was more nervous than the day of my championship swim meet." This draws readers in with a scene and gives a glimpse into your character. There’s no need for a standard 'introduction' or 'thesis sentence' like in high school essays— the purpose is to show, not tell, who you are.
Some tips:
- Write in the first person, and use your authentic voice. Think more about storytelling—what is a pivotal moment in your life or a lesson you learned?
- Vulnerability and specificity are valued. Instead of stating, 'I’m a hard worker,' show a specific moment that reveals your perseverance or creativity.
- The essay is not a résumé. It’s not about listing achievements, but examining a challenge, passion, or odd interest and what you learned from it.
A common mistake is treating the college essay like a book report or making it too safe and generic ("I learned the value of teamwork"). Another is repeating your activities list, rather than focusing on self-reflection.
If you’re stuck, ask yourself: “Would someone who knows me recognize me from this essay?” or “Does this essay reveal something new about me?”
Finally, don't stress about using extravagant language or a fancy structure. The most memorable college essays are simple, direct, and honest—think less about structure and more about storytelling, reflection, and authenticity. If you're looking for inspiration, read sample essays from admitted students to see how others approached these differences.
College essays, on the other hand, are more personal narratives. The main focus is YOU—your values, growth, and personality. Instead of analyzing literature or making an argument with external evidence, you're telling a story about yourself. It's much closer to creative nonfiction than traditional academic writing, and colleges want to get to know who you are beyond grades and test scores.
For example, a strong college essay might start in the middle of an experience: "My hands shook as I dialed the number. Calling City Hall to propose my idea, I realized I was more nervous than the day of my championship swim meet." This draws readers in with a scene and gives a glimpse into your character. There’s no need for a standard 'introduction' or 'thesis sentence' like in high school essays— the purpose is to show, not tell, who you are.
Some tips:
- Write in the first person, and use your authentic voice. Think more about storytelling—what is a pivotal moment in your life or a lesson you learned?
- Vulnerability and specificity are valued. Instead of stating, 'I’m a hard worker,' show a specific moment that reveals your perseverance or creativity.
- The essay is not a résumé. It’s not about listing achievements, but examining a challenge, passion, or odd interest and what you learned from it.
A common mistake is treating the college essay like a book report or making it too safe and generic ("I learned the value of teamwork"). Another is repeating your activities list, rather than focusing on self-reflection.
If you’re stuck, ask yourself: “Would someone who knows me recognize me from this essay?” or “Does this essay reveal something new about me?”
Finally, don't stress about using extravagant language or a fancy structure. The most memorable college essays are simple, direct, and honest—think less about structure and more about storytelling, reflection, and authenticity. If you're looking for inspiration, read sample essays from admitted students to see how others approached these differences.
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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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