What type of essay do colleges want for the application?

College application essays are definitely different from the typical school essays you might be used to. Instead of an argumentative or research essay, colleges want a personal narrative that really puts your personality, values, and voice on display. Admissions officers are trying to get to know you as a person—what makes you unique, how you think, and what matters to you—beyond grades and test scores.

They’re looking for a story, not a formal academic essay. The best essays aren’t simply lists of achievements or dramatic retellings of your entire life, but rather focused, detailed snapshots of a specific moment or aspect that reveals something meaningful about you. It helps to "show" rather than "tell" who you are by describing an experience and reflecting on what you learned or how it changed you.

For example, instead of writing an essay about how you taught yourself resilience by taking AP Chemistry, you could write about the moment you received a disappointing grade and how you responded that evening—maybe you Skyped with a grandma who offered unexpected wisdom, or went for a run and processed your frustration in a surprising way. The details and the way you reflect on them are what distinguish your voice.

The style can be conversational, as long as the grammar and sentence structure are strong. Don’t be afraid to inject some of your personality into your writing—if you have a sense of humor, let it shine! But avoid slang or text-speak, as the essay should still feel polished.

In short, colleges prefer a personal, reflective narrative that helps them see a side of you that’s not obvious on your transcript. Aim to help them remember you for something authentic and true to only you. If you can tell a story that only you could tell—with your details, your insight, and your growth—you’re on the right track.