What are some helpful tips for writing a strong college essay?

The most effective college essays are the ones that reveal something genuine about you—something that goes beyond your transcript and activities list. It's much better to focus on a personal story that highlights what matters to you or how you think, rather than just aiming to sound impressive. Admissions officers really appreciate authenticity because they're looking to get a sense of who you are as a person.

A helpful strategy for getting started is to ask yourself: What’s an experience, moment, or interest that has taught you something important or changed the way you see the world? This doesn't have to be some epic event. Sometimes, smaller stories—like an honest mistake at your part-time job or a conversation that led to an unexpected insight—can be far more compelling than big achievements. For example, one student wrote about the ritual of making his grandmother’s pierogi recipe together every Sunday. He tied this simple tradition to themes of resilience, love, and cross-generational connection, making for a memorable and heartfelt essay.

As for revision: most students spend several weeks on their essays, going through at least three to five drafts. After you get your initial thoughts down, set it aside for a day or two and then read it with fresh eyes. Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing or spots where your authentic voice dims. Getting feedback from someone who knows you well (like a teacher or mentor) can help ensure the essay still feels like you. But be careful not to let too many outside voices dilute your story; the essay should always sound like you.

A couple quick tips:
- Show, don’t just tell. Instead of saying “I am hardworking,” illustrate that quality with a specific example.
- Focus on a moment of change, realization, or challenge. How did you grow from it?
- Avoid cliche topics unless you have an extremely personal take or unique angle on them.
- Be honest about your feelings and vulnerabilities. Admissions officers relate to honesty and self-reflection.

If you keep your story grounded in what’s true to you and reflect thoughtfully on your experiences, your essay will be much more likely to stand out. The goal is to leave the reader with a sense of who you are and how you see the world, even if they only have five minutes with your essay.