What makes a college essay stand out from the rest?

It’s completely normal to feel pressure when reading sample essays—they can make it seem like you need some wild, one-of-a-kind experience to stand out. The truth is, the most memorable essays don’t always describe huge events. Simple stories, if told with insight and genuine emotion, can be incredibly powerful.

What makes an essay stand out is mostly how *you* are revealed in your writing—the way you think, the things you care about, and your authentic voice. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and while an unusual topic might catch their attention, what keeps them interested is the unique perspective you bring.

There’s no single formula for a great essay, but some key elements can help:

1. Specificity: Details matter. Instead of broad statements, use specific anecdotes or moments. For example, rather than saying “I love science,” describe the night you stayed up building a potato battery in your garage, how it failed, and what you learned from troubleshooting.

2. Reflection: Admissions officers want to see how you think. Don’t just tell a story—reflect on what it meant to you, how it changed or shaped you, or how it connects to the way you see the world now.

3. Authenticity: Write in your honest voice; don’t try to sound like someone you’re not. If you’re funny, let some humor come through. If you’re thoughtful and introspective, lean into that.

4. Focus: Narrow your story to a moment, idea, or theme. Even a small topic—a conversation with a grandparent, a daily routine, a favorite hobby—can be compelling if you find meaning in it.

Some of the best essays I’ve seen have covered topics like learning to make the perfect omelet, listening to NPR in the car with a parent, or even a moment of embarrassment in gym class. What made them memorable wasn’t the event itself, but how it reflected the writer’s personality, curiosity, or resilience.

For competitive schools, authenticity and depth matter much more than sensational stories. Admissions officers want to get to know the person behind the achievements, and a sincere, well-written story that only you could tell will shine far brighter than a dramatic but generic one.

Use your brainstorming to look for those tiny moments that reveal something bigger about you—then dig deep, be specific, and show them how you see the world.