What do colleges look for in application essays according to their rubrics?

Most colleges, especially selective ones, do use internal rubrics to evaluate essays, but the exact details aren’t public. Still, there are common criteria across most admissions offices. Usually, application essay rubrics focus on several key areas:

1. Personal Voice & Authenticity: Admissions officers want to see your genuine self come through. They look for an authentic narrative or perspective and consider whether the essay feels personal, specific, and reflective. For example, if you’re describing a family tradition, they'll notice if it’s written in a way that sounds like only you could have written it, rather than something generic anyone could say.

2. Answering the Prompt: Whether it’s a Common App personal statement or a supplemental essay, sticking to the prompt is crucial. The rubric checks if you answered the question fully and stayed relevant, avoiding tangents or vague generalities.

3. Writing Quality: Grammar, spelling, structure, and clarity all matter. Admissions staff will note if your writing is easy to follow, well-edited, and organized. Flow and style are valued, but clear communication is most important. For example, lots of big words don’t impress if the sentences are awkward or unclear.

4. Reflection & Insight: Colleges love when students show insight into themselves or their experiences. This means going beyond just telling a story—reflect on what you learned, how you changed, or why it matters. For instance, if you discuss a tough challenge, explain how it shaped your perspective.

5. Originality & Impact: Unique topics or fresh takes make an essay memorable, especially at selective schools. But originality isn’t just about wild experiences—it can also mean sharing your ordinary life in a distinctive, thoughtful way. If you write about a routine (like helping with family chores), tie it to unique insights or values.

At less selective schools, essays may get less weight, and the rubric may focus more simply on completeness, writing ability, or basic fit. At highly selective schools, essays carry more weight, and the focus on originality and depth is stronger. Their rubric may specifically ask readers to rate how much the essay reveals about the applicant’s character, potential, or what they’ll add to campus—sometimes called an 'impact' or 'contribution' score.

For example, Yale’s admissions blog mentions looking for students who will 'make the most of Yale’s resources,' so their readers consider how your essay reflects curiosity, motivation, or engagement with ideas. Similarly, the University of California posts sample reader comments—these highlight creativity, self-awareness, and distinct voice.

Best way to hit these markers is to write honestly, revise for clarity, and reflect on why your story matters to you. If you’re unsure, have someone who knows you well read your draft and ask: 'Could anyone else have written this?'