What are the best strategies for writing a college essay about yourself?

Feeling stuck is really common in the early stages of writing about yourself, especially when you want to stand out but not come across as arrogant. ‘Be yourself’ can sound vague, but what it actually means for college essays is to write in a voice that feels natural to you, and to focus on experiences or qualities that genuinely matter to you.

Instead of listing achievements or trying to cover every aspect of your life, choose a specific moment or story that reveals something important about who you are. This allows admissions officers to get a sense of what motivates you, how you think, or how you handle challenges. For instance, instead of writing about all your leadership activities, you might tell the story of a time you took initiative in an unexpected place—maybe tutoring a sibling or advocating for a small change in your local community. Then, dig into why that moment was meaningful and what it taught you about yourself.

Some students find that focusing on a single story works well, especially if it shows a moment of growth or a turning point. But if you have several small, connected moments that paint a more complete picture, you can structure your essay as a series of vignettes. Just make sure there’s a clear theme or thread linking them together, so your essay doesn’t feel scattered. For example, one applicant wrote about all the places she tried to fit in at her new high school—from chess club to theater—each vignette revealed something new about her resilience and adaptability.

One helpful strategy is to ask yourself: what’s something important about me that isn’t obvious from my transcript or activities list? This can lead you to meaningful stories that feel more authentic and less like a brag sheet. Also, don’t be afraid to show vulnerability or moments when things didn’t work out—that’s often where growth or depth of character comes through.

To brainstorm, jot down a list of moments that mattered, values you care about, or challenges you’ve navigated. Free-write about them for a few minutes each without worrying about structure, just to see what ideas have energy or emotion for you. Often the best essays start with a story you feel invested in telling.

Remember, admissions officers want to get to know *you*, not just your accolades. So it’s far better to show what you felt, learned, and cared about, rather than just what you accomplished. If you need more structure, try looking up sample essays on college websites or from reputable counseling resources—they’re a great way to see all the different ways a personal voice can shine through.

In summary: Start with a strong, specific moment or thread, dig into why it mattered, and use your authentic voice so the readers walk away feeling like they’ve genuinely met you.