What are some tips for writing a strong college essay?

Admissions officers are reading thousands of essays, so the best way to stand out is to be authentic, reflective, and specific to you. You don't need to have a major accomplishment or dramatic story; meaningful moments, even small ones, can make powerful essays if you show insight and personal growth.

Start by thinking about times you've changed your mind, faced a challenge (even a small one), or learned something new about yourself or the world. Essays are more compelling when they zoom in on a particular moment or detail. For example, instead of writing about your summer job in general, focus on a single day you had an unexpectedly difficult customer and how you handled that. Maybe it taught you patience, or led you to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work people do.

Being unique is helpful, but it's even more important to be genuine. Admissions officers can tell when a story is exaggerated or isn’t really yours. Let your voice shine through. You can strike a balance between being conversational and staying appropriate. Imagine you're writing to a respected teacher: clear, personable, but still focused. Humor is fine if it’s authentic and not forced, and avoid trying to impress through big words if they don’t naturally fit your style.

In terms of structure, there’s flexibility. Some people find success with more traditional formats (introduction, clear story, conclusion), while others use creative formats (dialogue, a letter, or a series of moments tied together). It’s less about the structure and more about whether the essay reveals new insight about who you are, what you care about, and how you think.

A useful resource is the Common App’s essay prompts—they're broad but designed to get you thinking. I also recommend reading some example essays online for inspiration; just make sure to use them for ideas, not templates. One guiding principle: have a friend, teacher, or family member read your draft and ask, “Could this essay be about anyone else?” If the answer is yes, look for ways to make it more personal.

Lastly, remember: your essay’s not a resume. Don’t just list achievements. Focus on reflection. For instance, say you didn't win the big science fair, but failed spectacularly—write about what that failure taught you and how it changed you. Those insights are what colleges value most.

Good luck on your brainstorming! It sounds like you’re already on the right track by thinking about what has been most meaningful to you.