What do colleges expect a college essay to look like?

It’s great that you’re starting to think about this early—there is a lot of confusing advice out there, so here’s a clear rundown of what colleges expect and what works best.

In terms of format, college essays (especially the Common App essay) are usually personal narratives. This means they read more like a short story about a moment or experience that mattered to you, rather than a formal, analytical school essay with a thesis statement and body paragraphs. Think of them as an opportunity to reveal something interesting about your personality, background, or growth, told through a vivid story or series of moments.

When people say "show, don’t tell," they mean you should use descriptions, dialogue, and action to let readers see and feel what you experienced—rather than stating everything directly. For example, instead of saying, “I was nervous at my first debate tournament,” you could show it: “My knees bounced under the table as my name echoed in the crowded gym, the judge’s eyes scanning the room, searching for me.” But don’t go overboard—sometimes a clear, direct line is more effective than over-complicating things.

As for format details: Use a standard, easy-to-read font (like Times New Roman or Arial, size 11 or 12). Double-spacing is ideal, and 1-inch margins are the default. Don’t bother with bold or fancy formatting. The main goal is readability.

Tone can be conversational, but it should still be polished—imagine you’re speaking to a trusted adult, not texting a friend. It’s okay to show humor if that fits your personality, but be authentic and avoid using slang or jokes you wouldn’t use in a classroom.

For example, one student wrote about folding origami cranes as a way to deal with stress; she started with a scene—her hands creasing paper between classes—and then reflected on what that repetitive action revealed about her coping mechanisms and inner life. The essay felt unique, but it wasn’t weird or unserious—it balanced story with reflection, letting the reader draw their own conclusions about her resilience.

If you’re lost, start by making a list of small stories or moments that show something important about you. Try picking one and writing out the scene first, then weaving in your thoughts or feelings. Once you have a draft, ask someone else to read it and tell you what they learned about you from it.

You absolutely don’t have to be wild or experimental to stand out—you just have to be genuinely you. If you let the reader into your world in a vivid, honest way, your essay will do its job.