What makes a college essay stand out as one of the best?
I keep hearing from counselors and students who got into top schools that "the essay matters so much," but no one can really tell me exactly what makes an essay truly great. I’ve read a bunch of sample essays online, and while some are funny and others are super deep, I’m not sure how to tell which ones are considered "the best."
Are there specific things that top essays always have in common? Is it about the story, the writing style, making the admissions officers cry, or showing off how much you’ve grown? I want to make sure my essay stands out, but I’m a little lost on what direction to take or how personal I should get without oversharing.
If anyone has examples or insights on what colleges really love to see, please help me out!
Are there specific things that top essays always have in common? Is it about the story, the writing style, making the admissions officers cry, or showing off how much you’ve grown? I want to make sure my essay stands out, but I’m a little lost on what direction to take or how personal I should get without oversharing.
If anyone has examples or insights on what colleges really love to see, please help me out!
4 months ago
•
24 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Great question! It’s true – a college essay can make a real difference, especially at highly selective schools where lots of applicants have similar grades and test scores. The best essays aren’t just about flawless writing or dramatic stories; they’re about authenticity, insight, and voice.
First, standout essays always reveal something personal and specific about the writer that goes beyond what’s shown in the rest of their application. This could be a unique hobby, a quirky interest, or a moment that changed the way you see the world. The essay should answer: Who are you really, and how do you think?
For example, one memorable essay didn’t center on a huge life event, but on the student’s fascination with collecting sand from every beach they’d visited. Through humor and detail, they managed to make it about curiosity, family, and memory – something small, yet deeply personal. That’s the kind of insight colleges look for.
Second, top essays use storytelling techniques – like vivid descriptions, dialogue, or a compelling opening hook – but the writing doesn’t have to be overly flowery. Simple, honest language is often more powerful than fancy words. What matters is that your personality and thinking come through in every paragraph.
Also, the best essays usually reflect on growth, but not in an obvious or forced way. Admissions officers want to understand not just what happened to you, but how it changed or challenged you. Ask yourself: Does each part of my essay show a new layer of who I am, or a new way I responded to a situation?
It’s good to get personal and vulnerable if you’re comfortable, but you don’t have to share your darkest secrets unless they genuinely shaped you in a way that’s crucial to your story. Strive for honesty over drama.
One last tip: Read your draft out loud. If it sounds like you, not a generic applicant, you’re on the right track. And remember, there isn’t one formula – a funny, light piece can be just as effective as a serious, dramatic one, as long as it’s truly you.
If you want inspiration, look for essays that tackle ordinary moments with extraordinary insight. Don’t be afraid to write about something only you could write – even a small detail, if it’s significant to you, can resonate with readers.
First, standout essays always reveal something personal and specific about the writer that goes beyond what’s shown in the rest of their application. This could be a unique hobby, a quirky interest, or a moment that changed the way you see the world. The essay should answer: Who are you really, and how do you think?
For example, one memorable essay didn’t center on a huge life event, but on the student’s fascination with collecting sand from every beach they’d visited. Through humor and detail, they managed to make it about curiosity, family, and memory – something small, yet deeply personal. That’s the kind of insight colleges look for.
Second, top essays use storytelling techniques – like vivid descriptions, dialogue, or a compelling opening hook – but the writing doesn’t have to be overly flowery. Simple, honest language is often more powerful than fancy words. What matters is that your personality and thinking come through in every paragraph.
Also, the best essays usually reflect on growth, but not in an obvious or forced way. Admissions officers want to understand not just what happened to you, but how it changed or challenged you. Ask yourself: Does each part of my essay show a new layer of who I am, or a new way I responded to a situation?
It’s good to get personal and vulnerable if you’re comfortable, but you don’t have to share your darkest secrets unless they genuinely shaped you in a way that’s crucial to your story. Strive for honesty over drama.
One last tip: Read your draft out loud. If it sounds like you, not a generic applicant, you’re on the right track. And remember, there isn’t one formula – a funny, light piece can be just as effective as a serious, dramatic one, as long as it’s truly you.
If you want inspiration, look for essays that tackle ordinary moments with extraordinary insight. Don’t be afraid to write about something only you could write – even a small detail, if it’s significant to you, can resonate with readers.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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