What should a strong college essay actually look like?

A strong college essay doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all format, but it always shows your authentic voice, tells a clear story, and gives the reader a deeper sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Think of it as a window into your personality, values, and perspective—ideally, the admissions officer should feel like they've gotten to know you a little by the end.

Most successful essays strike a balance between a narrative style (like a mini-memoir or short story) and a clear purpose (answering the prompt and reflecting on your experience). It’s not just about listing accomplishments or summarizing your resume. Instead, use a specific moment or experience as an entry point and then reflect on how it has impacted you or changed you.

“Show, don’t tell” means using sensory details, dialogue, and specific scenes to illustrate your ideas rather than just stating them outright. For example, instead of writing, “I am a hard worker,” you could show yourself working late into the night to finish building a homemade telescope, describing the frustration of failed attempts and the joy when it finally works. This makes your story memorable and vivid.

One successful example: a student wrote about searching for four-leaf clovers with their grandmother and how that repeated ritual shaped their approach to patience and optimism. Rather than saying, “I learned to be patient,” they let the story of crawling through the grass, close-up descriptions of each search, and snippets of conversation communicate the lesson naturally.

A less successful approach would be something like: “I am resilient because I broke my arm and had to work hard in school.” It’s a summary without the detail or reflection that makes the story personal.

Try drafting your essay as if you’re telling one important story to a friend. Afterward, step back and make sure you connect that story to why it matters to you. Aim for a voice that sounds like you on your best day: thoughtful, a bit vulnerable, and genuine.

Lastly, don’t force big words or a style that isn’t ‘you.’ The essay shines when your real self comes through. Good luck as you start drafting!