What are some tips for getting started on my college essays?

Feeling overwhelmed at the start is actually super common, so you’re definitely not alone. The best way to start is not to focus on crafting a perfect introduction—you don’t have to write your essay from beginning to end right away. Instead, start with brainstorming exercises that allow you to explore moments and aspects of your life that matter to you.

One method is to list out small, specific moments that you remember vividly—these don’t have to be dramatic or life-changing, but should reveal something about who you are. For example, did you recently teach your younger sibling to ride their bike? Maybe you spent weeks working at a local cafe and noticed the same regulars with interesting stories. These types of experiences can reveal unique facets of your character.

Try a few low-pressure writing exercises: set a timer for 10 minutes and write about a memory that made you feel proud, challenged, or changed your perspective. Don’t worry about making it sound good yet—just get your raw thoughts down. Later, you can look back and see if any of these snippets might form the core of a strong essay.

When it comes to how personal you should get, colleges want authenticity. You don’t have to bare your soul in a deeply vulnerable way if you’re not comfortable—but sharing insights you’ve gained or how you’ve reacted to specific challenges will help admissions officers get a sense of who you are beyond your grades and activities. For example, someone once wrote about the patience they learned while waiting tables at a pizza shop, and connected that story to their approach to problem-solving and leadership.

If you’re finding it hard to see which of your experiences are unique, ask friends or family what they associate with you—sometimes they see patterns or strengths in us that we miss. Another tip: avoid focusing on overused topics like a generic sports injury or simply listing achievements. If you want to write on a common topic, make it stand out by showing a surprising perspective or a very specific personal change (like how recovering from an injury led to a new hobby or community involvement).

Most importantly, give yourself permission to write badly at first—getting started is the hardest part, and you can always revise later. Consider reading a few sample essays online, not to copy, but to see how each student found their unique voice and story. Getting a first draft done over the summer will relieve a lot of stress in the fall—it can always be improved, but having something started is half the battle.