Writing a strong college application essay doesn't have to be as intimidating as it seems; in fact, it can actually be quite fun! When you view the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personality and values, you can transform the writing experience into a creative outlet that extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. Unlike your ACT or SAT scores, your essay allows you to craft a narrative that reflects who you are, what drives you, and how you think. Often, the hardest part is getting started. To help you find your inspiration, we’ll share some of the best tips for writing a college essay that stands out.
13 Tips for Crafting a Good Essay From College Admissions Experts
Sitting down to write your college essay doesn't need to feel like a chore. With a few tips, you can craft a great essay and have fun along the way. Here's some expert guidance for writing a good college essay that can help increase your chances of acceptance.
1. Master the Hook and Catch the Reader's Attention
Your opening sentence should be strategic so the reader is instantly drawn in and hungry to read the rest. Ideally, you want to craft an opening paragraph that immediately makes a connection or allows them to resonate with you somehow. You want your essay to stand out from all other applicants, which can be difficult when competing with thousands of prospective students.
Luckily, a personal essay that starts with a great hook is bound to make a lasting impression. Try to entice the imagination, make a bold statement, or ask an intriguing question to motivate the reader to continue with their full attention. This can be difficult at first, so feel free to start writing and revisit the introduction later.
2. Be Your Most Authentic Self
Although engaging writing and a clear response to the prompt are essential, authenticity matters. Even with the best writing skills, college admissions officers can sense when you're not using your own voice. Regardless of what subject you choose to focus on or the prompt you want to answer, try to write from a point of view that aligns with who you are. Not only will it make the entire college essay-writing process easier, but it also gives you a chance to show your passion, determination, and personality.
Talking about personal situations or childhood backgrounds can be challenging, but doing so may resonate more with the admissions office and help you stand out from other applicants. Plus, if you have an interview with the college admissions officer after they've read your essay, you'll come off as more genuine when your in-person personality matches your on-paper one.
3. Choose a Topic That Incorporates Deeper Themes
Research papers can showcase your ability to connect ideas, provide proof, and analyze findings, but that’s not necessarily what your college essay is for. Your personal achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities will be listed elsewhere in your college application. So, instead of loading your essay with facts, lists, or descriptions you’ve already provided, try to dive a bit deeper.
The admissions team is interested in learning about how you got where you are, what motivated you, what challenges you overcame in your personal life, and who you're interested in becoming. They want to know what realizations you've made or how your achievements (or failures) have molded you into who you are. Using anecdotes rather than lists and descriptions can make a big difference in how your essay is perceived, so it's worth the added creativity.
4. Try to Tell a Good Story
A good story is captivating and can paint a picture of what brought you to this stage in life or how you've developed as a person over the last four years. Stories that include vivid details can help you hold the admission officer's attention for as long as possible while sharing something important. It might feel difficult at first, but if you give yourself enough time to fine-tune the details, new ideas will come when you least expect them.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Do Something Different
Most of the college application process involves filling out forms, taking tests, and sending transcripts. Your essay is the one part of your application where you can do something different and stand out. For example, many essay topics revolve around positive feats or accomplishments, so what if you wrote about a personal struggle or loss and how you overcame it? Taking a unique approach and including your quirks while revealing something surprising or off-beat can greatly impact the reader.
6. Avoid Repeating Yourself
Redundancy can weaken even the best essays. So, if you've already mentioned something earlier in your application, there's no need to reiterate it in your essay. Instead, focus on presenting new information or perspectives to keep your essay fresh and engaging. Each sentence should contribute something valuable, pushing your narrative forward without lingering on points already made.
7. Keep Essays on the Shorter Side
An overly wordy essay will only hold the reader's attention for so long. Although it might be counterintuitive to prove a point, try to keep things short and sweet. There aren't usually strict word limits for college essays, but the director of admissions (or whoever is reading your essay) typically has many of them to review, making lengthy submissions a bit less appealing to review. Instead, find creative ways to make your point in about 650 words or less.
8. Write with the Admissions Committees in Mind
When crafting your essay, it's important to remember your audience: the admissions committees. These professionals have seen it all, so be sure to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly. A well-organized essay with a logical progression of ideas can make a lasting impression. So, aim to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and character while addressing the prompt directly.
9. Read Your Essay Aloud
Once you've finished writing your essay, read it aloud. Hearing your words spoken can help you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive ideas, and sentences that don't quite flow. This also helps identify the rhythm and pace of your writing, ensuring it reads well. Often, reading aloud will reveal some issues that might be less noticeable when reading silently, giving you a chance to polish your essay to perfection.
10. Ask for Feedback
Before you submit your essay, ask for feedback from others. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors or unclear sections you might have overlooked. Choose at least one person who knows you well enough to recognize if your essay reflects your voice and personality. They can provide valuable insights, whether it’s a teacher, mentor, or family member. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your essay further.
11. Start Writing Your Admissions Essay Early
Procrastination is the enemy of a well-crafted essay. Starting early gives you plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise without the pressure of a looming deadline. This relaxed timeline allows for multiple drafts, ensuring that each version of your essay gets progressively better. Early writing also leaves room for unexpected inspiration and ideas that might take your essay in an exciting new direction.
12. Write Multiple Drafts
One draft is never enough when it comes to crafting a standout essay. The first draft is just the beginning—a rough sketch of your ideas. Each subsequent draft should refine your thoughts and clarify your message. Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches in your early drafts. Through this process, your essay will evolve into a polished piece that effectively communicates your unique story.
13. Be Strategic About Your Essay's Ending
Admissions officers look for a strong essay with a good hook, important content, and a memorable conclusion. Your ending should leave a lasting impression, tying together the key themes you've explored while reinforcing the main point you want the reader to take away. Consider ending with a powerful statement, a thought-provoking question, or a reflection that connects to your introduction. Ideally, try to make your last sentence leave them wanting more.
Need Help Writing a College Essay?
While these tips can help you start, essay writing can be challenging for many students. If you're struggling with the admissions process, choosing a personal statement, or writing a concise college essay, partner with a professional college admissions consultant like College Choice Counseling®.
Our tutors are here to help you with everything from the writing process and college counseling to application help, test prep tutoring, and academic subject tutoring. Reach out today and learn how we can help you succeed.
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