Writing a college application essay can be one of the most challenging parts of the college admissions process.
However, with the right approach and tips from our admissions consultants, you’ll have no problem crafting an essay that stands out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, explaining everything you need to know about writing your college essay. We’ll also share some college essay tips, formats, examples, and common pitfalls to avoid.
How to start a college essay
Understand the prompt
Before you start writing, make sure you thoroughly understand the essay prompt. You might find it helpful to break it down into smaller sections to better understand what the admissions committee is asking.
Look for keywords in the prompt that highlight the main focus, such as “describe,” “explain,” or “reflect.”
Understanding the prompt’s objective is important. Work out whether it’s asking you to share a personal story, explain your motivations, or discuss your goals. If any part of the prompt is unclear, seek clarification from teachers, parents, or peers to avoid misinterpreting it.
Brainstorm ideas
Consider free writing. It can help uncover potential topics by allowing you to write freely about different experiences and ideas without worrying about structure or grammar.
Creating a mind map with the prompt at the center and branches for different ideas and experiences may also be helpful. Similarly, making lists of significant life events, accomplishments, challenges, and influences can generate ideas.
Ask yourself reflection questions like “What am I most proud of?”, “What challenges have I overcome?”, and “What experiences have shaped my values and goals?” to find meaningful topics.
Spend some time brainstorming potential topics. Think about experiences, achievements, or personal stories that highlight your character and strengths.
Consider free writing. It can help uncover potential topics by allowing you to write freely about different experiences and ideas without worrying about structure or grammar.
Creating a mind map with the prompt at the center and branches for different ideas and experiences may also be helpful. Similarly, making lists of significant life events, accomplishments, challenges, and influences can generate ideas.
Ask yourself reflection questions like “What am I most proud of?”, “What challenges have I overcome?”, and “What experiences have shaped my values and goals?” to find meaningful topics.
Choose a unique angle
Select a topic that is personal and unique to you. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so finding a distinctive angle will make your essay stand out.
Write about something meaningful to you rather than what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
Choose a topic that demonstrates personal growth, resilience, or a significant change in perspective. Highlight your core values and beliefs through a story that reflects them.
Create an outline
Start with an introduction that includes a hook to grab the reader’s attention, introduces the main theme or story, and provides a brief overview of what the essay will cover.
Develop your main points with clear, concise paragraphs in the body of the essay, each focusing on a single idea and providing evidence or examples to support it.
Summarize your main points in the conclusion. Restate your thesis in a new light, and end with a strong closing statement.
Organize your thoughts by creating an outline. This helps you structure your essay logically and ensures you cover all necessary points.
Start with an introduction that includes a hook to grab the reader’s attention, introduces the main theme or story, and provides a brief overview of what the essay will cover.
Develop your main points with clear, concise paragraphs in the body of the essay, each focusing on a single idea and providing evidence or examples to support it.
Summarize your main points in the conclusion. Restate your thesis in a new light, and end with a strong closing statement.
Set the tone
The introduction sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Make sure it reflects your voice and personality. Whether your tone is serious, humorous, reflective, or passionate, it should be consistent throughout the essay.
End your introduction with a roadmap that outlines the main points you’ll cover in your essay. This helps the reader follow your narrative and understand the structure of your essay.
College essay format
As mentioned above, the introduction is your first chance to make an impression. You should start with a captivating hook to grab the reader’s attention. It could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, a striking statement, or vivid imagery.
After the introduction comes the body of your essay. You should develop your main points with specific examples and clear, concise paragraphs.
The conclusion summarizes your main points, restates your thesis in a new way, and ends with a strong closing statement.
Formatting tips
7 college application essay tips
01
Be authentic
Your essay should reflect your true self. Admissions officers can tell when you’re not being genuine, so write about what matters to you, not what you think they want to hear. Authenticity can make your essay stand out because it showcases your voice and perspective.
02
Show, don’t tell
Use descriptive language and specific examples to illustrate your points. Instead of stating that you’re determined, describe a situation where your determination helped you achieve a goal. This makes your essay more engaging and memorable.
03
Stay focussed
Stick to the topic and avoid drifting off. Each sentence should contribute to your main theme or story. Keeping your essay focused ensures that your message is clear and concise, making a stronger impression on the reader.
While it’s important to provide enough detail to support your points, avoid being too wordy. Concise writing is more powerful and keeps the reader engaged.
04
Proofread
Carefully review your essay, checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A well-polished essay shows attention to detail and respect for the admissions process. Consider asking a teacher, parent, or friend to read it over and provide feedback.
05
Follow instructions
Adhere to the word limit and any formatting guidelines provided by the college.
Following the instructions shows you can pay attention to details and follow directions, both of which are important skills for college students.
06
Seek feedback
Get feedback from teachers, parents, and friends, but make sure the final essay reflects your voice. Constructive criticism can help you improve your essay, but it’s important that it remains your own work.
07
Practice good time management
Start early to give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay. Rushed writing often lacks depth and clarity, so taking your time can significantly improve the quality of your essay.
Types of college essays
01
Personal statement
The personal statement is a general essay that provides an opportunity for you to share your story, experiences, and personal qualities. It often addresses broad prompts that ask you to reflect on significant life experiences or describe your goals and motivations. Look at it as your chance to give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
02
Supplemental essays
Supplemental essays are additional essays that many colleges require in addition to the personal statement. These essays often ask specific questions related to the college’s values, culture, or specific programs. Examples of common supplemental essay prompts include:
03
Scholarship essays
Scholarship essays are written as part of an application for a scholarship. These essays typically focus on your academic achievements, leadership experiences, community involvement, and financial need. Scholarship essays often ask you to explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your educational and career goals.
04
Common App essays
The Common Application (Common App) essay is a personal statement required by colleges that use the Common Application platform. The Common App provides several prompts each year, allowing students to choose the one that best fits their story. The prompts are designed to be broad and open-ended, giving students the flexibility to write about a wide range of topics.
05
Coalition application essays
Similar to the Common App, the Coalition Application also requires a personal statement. The Coalition Application offers different essay prompts, but they serve the same purpose: to allow students to share their personal stories and reflections.
06
University-specific essays
Some universities require essays that are specific to their institution. These essays can vary widely in topic and format. They might ask you to discuss how you would contribute to the university community, your interest in a particular program, or your thoughts on a current event or societal issue.
07
Diversity essays
Diversity essays ask you to discuss your background, experiences, and perspectives on diversity. These essays are an opportunity to reflect on how your unique experiences have shaped your worldview and how you will contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
08
Career goals essays
Career goals essays require you to outline your professional aspirations and how your chosen college and program will help you achieve them. These essays are common for applications to business schools, engineering programs, and other professional degree programs.
09
Creative essays
Some colleges may ask for creative essays that allow you to showcase your creativity and originality. These essays might include prompts that ask you to write a short story, imagine a hypothetical scenario, or describe a unique perspective.
10
Analytical essays
Analytical essays require you to analyze a text, event, or issue. These essays test your critical thinking and writing skills by asking you to provide a well-reasoned analysis supported by evidence. They are more common in applications to humanities and social sciences programs.
11
“Overcoming Adversity” essays
Essays on overcoming adversity ask you to describe a significant challenge or obstacle you have faced and how you dealt with it. These essays highlight your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and personal growth.
Winning college essay examples
Reading examples of successful college essays can provide inspiration and guidance. Look for essays that have a strong voice, clear structure, and compelling content.
Analyze what makes these essays effective and try to incorporate similar elements into your own writing.
Do all colleges require essays?
Not all colleges require essays as part of their application process. Some schools, particularly those with open admissions policies, may not require an essay. However, most selective colleges do require at least one essay, and many have additional supplemental essays.
Things to avoid when writing a college essay
There are things you should include in your college essay, but there are also some things you should try to avoid if you want to give the best impression.
01
Clichés
Avoid overused topics and phrases. Be original and authentic in your writing.
02
Controversial topics
Steer clear of highly controversial topics unless you can address them thoughtfully and respectfully.
03
Negativity
Focus on positive experiences and growth rather than negative events.
04
Overly complex language
Use clear, straightforward language. Avoid using complex words, phrases, and ideas just to impress the reader.
05
Redundancy
Don’t repeat information already covered in other parts of your application.
Additional tips
In this final section of our guide on how to write a college application essay, we’ll share some quick and easy tips.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can write a compelling college application essay that showcases your unique qualities and stands out to admissions officers.
Remember, your essay is an opportunity to share your story and make a personal connection with the admissions committee. Use it wisely!
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