What are some impactful words to use in college essays?

I’m a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I’ve reviewed thousands of essays, so I know exactly how word choice can enhance — or hurt — an otherwise strong application.

It’s natural to worry that your vocabulary isn’t sophisticated enough, but the best essays almost always prioritize clarity and authenticity over fancy-sounding words. Admissions officers want to hear your genuine voice and understand how you think. The most impactful words show authentic thoughts, emotions, and actions, rather than trying to impress with jargon or overly advanced terminology.

Instead of hunting for big or rare words, focus on precise ones. Strong verbs like “discovered,” “adapted,” “initiated,” “transformed,” or “advocated” are powerful because they clearly show what you did and how you changed. Nouns like “curiosity,” “resilience,” or “perspective” can communicate a lot about your character if they flow naturally in your writing.

For example, instead of writing, “I was very involved in many activities at school,” you could say, “I initiated a school recycling program that brought together students from different grades.” The verb “initiated” is specific, active, and memorable. Another example: rather than “It was challenging,” you might say, “I grappled with self-doubt when presenting my art.” That phrasing is both vivid and precise.

Words to avoid: steer clear of overly generic terms like “passionate,” “leader,” or “unique” unless you immediately back them up with concrete examples. Be careful with tired adjectives like “amazing,” “incredible,” “unforgettable,” or “life-changing” unless you explain exactly why they apply. And watch out for words like “utilize” (when “use” works just as well) or “plethora” if they aren’t part of your natural vocabulary.

A tip I give my students: after writing a sentence, read it out loud. If the word choice sounds unnatural or forced, adjust it until it feels like something you’d say to a trusted mentor. Reviewing strong essay examples can also help you see how clear, vivid language paints a picture or conveys a feeling without leaning on filler words.

Ultimately, the best words are specific, visual, and true to you. If you highlight a few vivid terms that fit naturally into your story, your authenticity will shine through — and that’s far more memorable to admissions readers than forced complexity.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.