What are colleges really looking for in the application essay?
I've started drafting some ideas for my college essay, but I'm not totally sure what colleges want to see. People keep telling me to "be myself," but I'm not sure what aspects of who I am are best to focus on.
How do I figure out what admissions officers are truly interested in when they read an essay? Should I be writing about something dramatic, or is it okay if my topic is more everyday? If anyone who has already gone through this process or knows more has advice, I'd really appreciate it.
How do I figure out what admissions officers are truly interested in when they read an essay? Should I be writing about something dramatic, or is it okay if my topic is more everyday? If anyone who has already gone through this process or knows more has advice, I'd really appreciate it.
8 months ago
•
58 views
Lydia Schooler
• 8 months ago
Advisor
Colleges use the application essay to learn about who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to see your character, how you think, what matters to you, and how you express yourself. The ideal essay shows your authentic voice and gives insights into what it would be like to have you on campus.
You don’t have to write about something dramatic. In fact, some of the most memorable essays are about small, everyday moments—what matters is the meaning and reflection you draw from your experiences. For example, an essay about teaching your younger sibling how to bike can reveal your patience, creativity, and ability to overcome frustration, while highlighting your values and approach to challenges.
As you brainstorm, ask yourself: What stories or memories do I always come back to? What are moments when I learned something important about myself or others? Colleges aren’t looking for a list of accomplishments; they want to see how you perceive the world and what’s important to you. A unique perspective on a common experience can stand out just as much as an uncommon story.
Also, focus on showing who you are through actions and reflection, rather than just telling. For example, instead of saying "I'm resilient," share a moment when you faced a setback and how you responded to it. This lets the reader see your qualities in action.
In short, admissions officers are interested in your growth, your curiosity, and how you’ve learned from your experiences—dramatic or not. Be honest about yourself, and pick a topic you genuinely care about; your enthusiasm and sincerity will come through more than any attempt to "impress" with a flashy story. Remember: it's not so much what happened, but how you make meaning out of it, and how well you communicate your personality and voice.
You don’t have to write about something dramatic. In fact, some of the most memorable essays are about small, everyday moments—what matters is the meaning and reflection you draw from your experiences. For example, an essay about teaching your younger sibling how to bike can reveal your patience, creativity, and ability to overcome frustration, while highlighting your values and approach to challenges.
As you brainstorm, ask yourself: What stories or memories do I always come back to? What are moments when I learned something important about myself or others? Colleges aren’t looking for a list of accomplishments; they want to see how you perceive the world and what’s important to you. A unique perspective on a common experience can stand out just as much as an uncommon story.
Also, focus on showing who you are through actions and reflection, rather than just telling. For example, instead of saying "I'm resilient," share a moment when you faced a setback and how you responded to it. This lets the reader see your qualities in action.
In short, admissions officers are interested in your growth, your curiosity, and how you’ve learned from your experiences—dramatic or not. Be honest about yourself, and pick a topic you genuinely care about; your enthusiasm and sincerity will come through more than any attempt to "impress" with a flashy story. Remember: it's not so much what happened, but how you make meaning out of it, and how well you communicate your personality and voice.
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