How do I know if my college essay is actually great or just average?

Feeling unsure about your Common App essay is really common—especially since it’s so personal and it’s hard to be objective about your own writing. There are a few concrete signs that your essay might be more than just average, and noticing these can give you a bit more confidence (or point you in the direction to improve).

A great essay usually has a few key characteristics:

1. It sounds like you. The essay should sound genuinely like your voice, not what you think colleges want to hear. If you read it out loud and it feels conversational but thoughtful, that's a good sign. For example, if your friends or family read it and say, “This is so you!”—that's often a mark of authenticity.

2. Originality in perspective. Even if your story includes a somewhat common topic, your unique take or very specific details can make it stand out. For example, instead of just mentioning that you love volunteering, you might write about a specific moment you connected with someone in your community, capturing the emotions and the small details of that event.

3. Reflection and growth. Colleges want to know not just what happened, but what you learned from it. If your essay has a passage where you reflect on how an event changed you or affected your worldview, that's a strong feature. Readers should finish your essay with a clear sense of how you think and how you process experiences.

4. Compelling storytelling. Even if it’s not dramatic, if your essay keeps the reader engaged—perhaps by opening with a vivid scene, an intriguing question, or a funny anecdote—that’s a sign it has life. Try sharing it with a trusted person and watch if their attention drifts or if they seem interested throughout.

5. Specificity over generality. Average essays rely on clichés and broad statements, while great essays drill down to the particulars: specific moments, dialogue, and imagery. For example, instead of saying "I struggled in biology class but worked hard to improve," sharing a detailed moment when you were frustrated but had a breakthrough in understanding during a late-night study session creates a much stronger impact.

If you’re still not sure, ask yourself: Could this essay be written by anyone else, or only by me? That question often helps clarify if you’ve avoided being generic. And although it’s daunting, sharing it with at least one trusted person for feedback is invaluable. You don’t have to be perfect on your first draft—revisions usually make essays shine.

It is normal to overthink, but trust that there’s always opportunity to revise. When in doubt, focus on telling your authentic story in your own voice, with clear reflection and vivid detail. That’s what makes college essays stand out!