What are some tips for writing a strong college application essay?

Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal—writing a college essay is a big task, and wanting to do your best is a good sign that you’re on the right track. Here’s some advice that can make the process less daunting and help your essay stand out.

One of the best things you can do is focus your essay on a specific moment or story. Instead of attempting to cover your whole life or every accomplishment, zero in on one event, experience, or even a brief interaction that challenged or changed you. For example, if you’ve moved schools, don’t just talk about the transition overall; maybe focus on a single lunch period where you made an unexpected friend and how that shifted your perspective.

Going deep instead of wide is key. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and what most grabs attention is honesty and detail. Show your thoughts, feelings, and personal quirks. If you’re worried about how personal you should get, a good rule of thumb is this: if it’s something you’d tell a favorite teacher or close friend, but haven’t shared with just anyone, it’s probably personal enough.

To avoid cliches, steer clear of the usual suspects unless you have a truly unique take. Classic topics like sports injuries, overcoming a tough class, or a generic service trip often blend together. However, if you can offer a fresh angle, these can still work. For instance, one student wrote not about the injury, but about developing a new hobby—stand-up comedy—during recovery, illustrating resilience in an atypical way.

Consider these structures:
- Start in the middle of the action ("cold open") and fill in the background later
- Use a frame story, where the beginning and end are linked by an image, quote, or situation
- Revisit a small detail or theme throughout the essay, building layers of meaning

Above all, be yourself. Write in your own voice—read your draft out loud; it should sound like you. After drafting, have a trusted adult or counselor read for feedback, but avoid letting too many people edit or rewrite, as your authentic voice can get lost.

Lastly, don’t stress about polishing the first draft too much. The best essays often grow out of several rounds of honest revision. Keep brainstorming, trust your instincts, and remember the ultimate goal: to help the reader see you as more than numbers on a page.