What exactly makes a college essay 'good'?
I'm starting to brainstorm for my Common App essay but keep stressing about what admissions officers are actually looking for.
Some people are telling me that you need a super unique topic, while others say it's mostly about how you tell your story, and honestly, I'm just confused. For example, I read one essay about making dumplings with family that was really heartfelt but seemed simple, and another about starting a nonprofit.
If you've already been through the process or have any advice about what makes an essay stand out—like is it about showing personality, overcoming challenges, writing style, or something else?—please share your thoughts. I want my essay to genuinely reflect who I am, but not come off as boring or cliché.
Would appreciate any feedback, examples, or even what to avoid!
Some people are telling me that you need a super unique topic, while others say it's mostly about how you tell your story, and honestly, I'm just confused. For example, I read one essay about making dumplings with family that was really heartfelt but seemed simple, and another about starting a nonprofit.
If you've already been through the process or have any advice about what makes an essay stand out—like is it about showing personality, overcoming challenges, writing style, or something else?—please share your thoughts. I want my essay to genuinely reflect who I am, but not come off as boring or cliché.
Would appreciate any feedback, examples, or even what to avoid!
6 months ago
•
43 views
Lydia Schooler
• 6 months ago
Advisor
A 'good' college essay is one that genuinely reveals something important or distinctive about you—something an admissions officer couldn’t pick up just by reading your application résumé. It doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic story or a quirky, “wow, I invented a spaceship at age six” moment. What stands out most is authenticity, reflection, and clear, compelling writing.
Let’s break that down:
1. **Authenticity**: Admissions officers want to hear your real voice. They read thousands of essays, so they can usually sense when someone is being genuine versus when they're trying to write what they think colleges want. It’s totally fine if your topic seems “small”—like making dumplings with family—if it leads to real insight or growth.
2. **Reflection**: What did the experience mean to you? How did it change your perspective or goals? For example, someone might write about losing a debate tournament—not to brag about making it to finals, but to show how they learned to handle disappointment and rethink their fear of failure. The best essays dig beneath the surface
3. **Your Unique Voice and Perspective**: Sometimes, even common topics are memorable because of the unique way the writer approaches them. Maybe you write about volunteering, but you focus on a single conversation that challenged your worldview, rather than listing volunteer hours. Be specific, not general.
4. **Strong Writing**: You don’t need flowery language, but clear, vivid writing helps. The dumpling essay you mentioned was probably memorable because it painted a scene readers could feel and had a strong, personal takeaway. Avoid trying too hard with big words or an overly formal style—let your natural way of speaking guide the writing.
**What to avoid:**
- Essays that only list achievements or activities.
- Cliché stories (sports injuries, moving schools, generic "hard work" stories), unless you have an incredibly unique or personal angle.
- Topics you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing openly (avoid trauma-dumping).
An example: One student wrote about fixing objects in her home for her family, leading to her fascination with engineering. It wasn’t about winning competitions, but it showed persistence, curiosity, and how she found meaning in everyday moments.
Bottom line: A good essay shows your personality, gives insight into who you are, and stays honest. Even a simple story can be powerful if it helps an admissions officer feel like they've met the real you.
If you’re stuck, try brainstorming moments that made you think differently, changed your path, or revealed something new about yourself. Those usually lead to the best essays!
Let’s break that down:
1. **Authenticity**: Admissions officers want to hear your real voice. They read thousands of essays, so they can usually sense when someone is being genuine versus when they're trying to write what they think colleges want. It’s totally fine if your topic seems “small”—like making dumplings with family—if it leads to real insight or growth.
2. **Reflection**: What did the experience mean to you? How did it change your perspective or goals? For example, someone might write about losing a debate tournament—not to brag about making it to finals, but to show how they learned to handle disappointment and rethink their fear of failure. The best essays dig beneath the surface
3. **Your Unique Voice and Perspective**: Sometimes, even common topics are memorable because of the unique way the writer approaches them. Maybe you write about volunteering, but you focus on a single conversation that challenged your worldview, rather than listing volunteer hours. Be specific, not general.
4. **Strong Writing**: You don’t need flowery language, but clear, vivid writing helps. The dumpling essay you mentioned was probably memorable because it painted a scene readers could feel and had a strong, personal takeaway. Avoid trying too hard with big words or an overly formal style—let your natural way of speaking guide the writing.
**What to avoid:**
- Essays that only list achievements or activities.
- Cliché stories (sports injuries, moving schools, generic "hard work" stories), unless you have an incredibly unique or personal angle.
- Topics you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing openly (avoid trauma-dumping).
An example: One student wrote about fixing objects in her home for her family, leading to her fascination with engineering. It wasn’t about winning competitions, but it showed persistence, curiosity, and how she found meaning in everyday moments.
Bottom line: A good essay shows your personality, gives insight into who you are, and stays honest. Even a simple story can be powerful if it helps an admissions officer feel like they've met the real you.
If you’re stuck, try brainstorming moments that made you think differently, changed your path, or revealed something new about yourself. Those usually lead to the best essays!
Related Questions
Students also ask…