What are some tips for writing a strong college essay about yourself?

Feeling stuck at the beginning of your personal essay is completely normal. In reality, some of the best college essays often focus on a very specific moment, rather than attempting to summarize your entire personality or life story. Zeroing in on a particular incident, decision, or turning point usually leads to a more engaging and memorable essay because it can show deeper insight, emotion, and growth.

Try thinking about a moment that changed you or challenged you in some way. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—sometimes everyday situations yield the richest stories if you show what you learned or how you changed. For example, one student wrote about her first failed soufflé attempt and, through her determination to master the recipe, revealed her resilience and love for experimentation. This kind of story doesn't just share an event—it reflects a deeper character trait.

Admissions officers read hundreds or even thousands of essays. What stands out to them isn’t always a grand achievement, it’s authenticity. If you’re passionate about something or if an experience genuinely affected you, that will come through in your writing. Don’t feel like your experience has to be "unique" in the sense that no one else has gone through it—what’s unique is your perspective, feelings, and how you tell the story.

When it comes to how personal you should get, ask yourself: does sharing this detail help the reader understand me better, and am I comfortable with a stranger reading it? Highly private details are okay if they are crucial for your narrative and you’re comfortable sharing, but don’t include something too sensitive if it’s not essential to the story.

Here’s a quick process to get you started: brainstorm several moments in your life that mattered to you—successful or not. Write down what you felt before, during, and after those moments. Then pick one or two and try to write a short narrative about what you learned or how you changed. Don’t worry if your first draft feels rough. Letting your authentic self come through is more important than sounding perfect.

Lastly, ask for feedback from someone who knows you well—they can tell you if your personality shines through, or if the story feels forced. Good luck, and remember, the more your genuine self shows in your essay, the more memorable it will be!