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From drafting a personal statement to acquiring recommendation letters and seeking financial aid, applying for college can be a long, tedious task. Follow along to learn how to write a college admission essay.
One essential aspect of the admissions process is writing a stellar college admission essay. Essays allow students to add their own personal charm to their college application and demonstrate their unique qualities beyond test scores and transcripts.
Writing a great college essay is challenging for most. To help you write a killer essay, we’ll cover how long your essay should be, expectations regarding its structure, and how to choose the ideal prompt to give you the best chance of admission. Read on to learn unwritten rules and tips to help you write a good college admissions essay.
Drafting a college admissions essay that is well-written and impactful can make a world of a difference in whether or not your application is accepted. When the admissions committee chooses between you and another applicant with similar credentials, a powerful essay can tip the balance in your favor.
Through your college admissions essay, you can showcase your personality and demonstrate that you have thought carefully about why you would be a good match for the college you’re applying to. It illustrates your commitment to learning and eagerness to contribute to your dream school’s community.
Along with proving your writing skills, your essay also allows your soft skills to shine through your application, such as compassion, leadership, creativity, and more. Writing a good college essay that demonstrates your qualities through a compelling story can leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.
A college admissions essay does not necessarily have to follow the standard English essay format: five paragraphs, including an introduction and conclusion. However, any specific requirements differ between each college. Below we’ll outline how a college admissions essay should typically be structured.
College admissions essays usually do not require a title. Some students, however, choose to include a title because it’s the first thing the admissions committee will read, and it’s another chance to capture interest, demonstrate personality, and reframe their essay as a whole.
A title is purely optional. If you choose to incorporate a title, here are some tips:
Unless otherwise noted from the college application requirements, the number of paragraphs is up to you.
Some essays can be four paragraphs, while others use eight.
However, your essay, just as every other essay you have written (and will write in college), will require an introduction and a conclusion. It must adhere to the word limit, which will be discussed below.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all template that you can follow when writing your college admission essay. You are allowed, however, to use basic structures when writing your essay that can work for any prompt. You should also pay attending to any college application essay formatting guidelines your school provides.
Instead of page limits, colleges provide candidates with a specific word count for their admission essays. Colleges do this to ensure there’s a standard length for all the admissions essays they receive, regardless of format or font type.
If your prospective school does not specify how long your essay should be, you can always email the admissions committee to confirm before you start writing. While your essay can be close, it should not exceed the word limit. Standard practice is to aim to spare about 50 words from the total word limit. When given a range, respect it!
If you need to exceed the limit by maybe one to three extra words, you can definitely get away with it. However, you must be absolutely sure it is necessary to do so. There’s a chance that if you have to copy-paste your essay into your application rather than upload it, the formatting can become skewed, and a few words could be cut off.
Keep in mind that if you exceed the limit in a glaringly obvious way, the admissions office will stop reading your essay past a certain point. The word limit is like a small test for applicants – it is very important to follow the school’s rules, and they want to see who can make the best impression while following their specific rules and guidelines.
Sometimes, colleges do not have a word limit for their admission essays. It can be difficult figuring out an appropriate length for your prompt, but they may offer additional components, such as including a writing sample from one of your classes.
Colleges can provide a general guideline for writing samples, usually four to five pages demonstrating your writing and analytical abilities. It is not advised to provide a sample that exceeds ten pages.
Colleges usually have one prompt for you to address in your personal statement or will give you the option to choose from a list. Having a variety of questions to choose from can come with its own difficulties; you may not know which question is best or how to approach it.
Here is a list of the most common essay prompts and essay topics you can use to answer them.
You can answer this prompt by reflecting on a hobby, a part of your personality, or a genuine experience that was meaningful to you. Your essay should make the reader feel connected to you, and your essay can do that by offering an honest, personal insight into who you are.
Unless they are close to your heart, avoid talking about high school achievements in your prompt. Instead, talk about things that truly matter to you, like your love of nature, superheroes, special talents, or anything else that ties into who you are and what you believe.
Showing your best self can include learning from past mistakes or obstacles you had to overcome. Talking about overcoming challenges can display your courage, perseverance, determination, and self-control.
The conclusion is what really ties this prompt together; it allows you to explain how this obstacle changed your perspective on life and made you a stronger person.
This prompt requires you to answer by talking about a time you stood against the status quo or an experience that changed your view on a certain topic.
Only choose this prompt if you have a relevant, specific,experience you can recount. Discussing the lessons that you have learnt from this experience is a great way to conclude this essay. Keep in mind that writing a vague essay about a hot button issue doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything useful about you.
This prompt is designed to allow readers to delve into the heart of how you think and what makes you tick. Present a situation, explain it in detail, and show steps toward the solution.
Admissions officers want to learn more about your thought process and the issues you deal with. Explain how you first became aware of the issue and how you tackled it while reiterating why the problem is important to you. Don’t forget to explain why the problem is important to you!
Avoid the urge to write about a beloved figure like Princess Diana or Martin Luther King Jr. The admissions committee doesn't need to be convinced they are famous and influential people.
Focus on yourself: Choose someone who has altered your behavior or your worldview, and write about how this person influenced you.
This person could be a teacher, family member, or even a classmate that had an important impact on you.
Take this opportunity to examine an experience you’ve had in an extracurricular setting that taught you something you didn't previously know about yourself, got you out of your comfort zone, or forced you to grow.
Sometimes it's better to write about something hard because of the lessons learned rather than choosing to write about something easy. As with all essay questions, the most important thing is to tell a great story: how you discovered this activity, what drew you to it, and what it's shown you about yourself.
Even when you have the topic chosen and how you wish to address the topic set, it is still hard to know how to make an impactful essay. Here are some expert tips on how to write a college application essay.
While this may seem redundant, keep in mind that you have to read the instructions carefully. If you do not follow the guidelines, it tells the admissions officer you are likely to disregard instructions in your classes once admitted. Always read the instructions carefully and make notes, so you are prepared to create your first draft.
Writing is hard, but great writing is achievable if you follow the right path. Any journalist will tell you that the best way to get the readers’ attention is to have a great introduction. Admissions take a short time to review your essay, so make sure you start off with a vivid introduction to engage them.
Authenticity is greatly valued in post-secondary institutions, as it shows your quality of thinking. Avoid shaping your essay around popular phrases or ideas that have been used many times before; try to base it on your genuine beliefs.
Connect it to your skills, ambitions, existing knowledge on the matter, and how it will help you in your future endeavors.
Contrary to popular belief, the killer of an otherwise excellent essay is the famous quote. We get it, Winston Churchill is an excellent source of inspiration! However, you must understand the sheer volume of essays and repetitive themes that admissions committees are reading. Instead, consider your reader's perspective.
Ask yourself, what’s something the admissions committee has never seen before? You’re halfway there already, because they have never met you! Your unique experiences and qualities are what make you stand out, so lean into your own words rather than someone else’s.
Ultimately, your college essay is a chance for admissions committees to understand the inner workings of your mind. While showcasing your soft skills it can be challenging to sound credible. That’s why you need to make sure to support your story with anecdotal evidence.
The idea here is to avoid simply stating how great you are. Instead, include details of your story, and examples to develop your ideas. In other words: show, don’t tell! For instance, rather than stating “I’m an excellent leader,” tell a story about a time you demonstrated leadership and express what you learned from it.
The Common Application, and a few schools, will give you a list of prompts to help you tell your own story.
These prompts are useful starting off points and invite students to think about challenges they’ve overcome or experiences that have made them grateful. It’s an opportunity to display your growth, strength, and what makes a candidate who they are.
Keep in mind that your college admissions essay isn’t any ordinary paper, it’s a story. Be mindful of readability and construct your essay to maintain interest throughout the entire essay. Think of the classic methods of storytelling: your essay should have an intro, a body, a climax, and a conclusion that are clear without needing to over explain.
Most importantly, every good story has a message. For example, in the classic story of Cinderella, the main takeaway is that kindness (demonstrated through Cinderella’s actions) will be rewarded while selfishness (demonstrated through the evil step mother and siblings) will not. What’s your takeaway? What’s important to you, and why?
Your admissions essay is the place to express yourself, not to repeat the points of your resume that the admissions committee has already seen. Instead of repeating yourself, go deeper. Consider what makes you a great candidate beyond your grades. Are you a leader? Are you passionate about the school? Whatever it is, show it!
Of course, it’s important to edit your essay over and over again. You can have a friend, parent or teacher help you as well before submitting your final version. Ultimately, small grammar or spelling mistakes can be the difference between acceptance into a highly competitive program, so fire up the spell check!
Though developing a strong college essay can be a long, tedious process, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. There is a wide range of online admission resources that you can access through various universities and nonprofit organizations.
These help you make the best version of your prompt and enhance your chances of getting accepted.
It may go without saying, but it is extremely important to know your deadlines. You never want to end up in a situation where you’ve spent hundreds of hours preparing for college only to find out the application was due yesterday!
Submitting your materials early is also an excellent signifier to colleges that you manage your time well, and are passionate about the school.
Your college admissions essay showcases your way of thinking and personality; your essay should be as unique as you are. Instead of writing a dull, generic essay, write one that is true to who you are, one that will captivate the reader. Here are some tips on how to write a college application essay that stands out.
Arguably, the introduction is the most important part of your college admission essay because it sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Remember, first impressions matter. An engaging introduction will encourage readers to pay attention throughout the rest of your essay.
If you are having trouble figuring out how to start your college essay, here are some introductions you can use to grab the reader’s attention:
You’ve probably read a newspaper article at some point. You will notice the writer fades their voice behind the facts, leaving you without any info on the author. When writing your college admissions essay, you should do the exact opposite. You do not want to be one of the other thousands of applicants who fail to make an impression.
Instead, you want the admissions officer to say: “this is an actual person who wrote this; someone with feeling and depth.” Being vulnerable and putting your personality into your essay is a great way to achieve this; be honest, personable, and stay true to your own authentic voice. (Also, avoid cliches like famous quotes!)
Trying to act like an intellectual know-it-all is not only exhausting but a huge turn-off for college admissions. You need to be unique to get noticed. Write like you are a strong-minded individual. Use beautiful, descriptive language mixed with your typical casual language. Then, put emotion into your words to make your essay come alive!
When it comes to how to format your essay, readability is key. Use a reasonable font, one that is easily legible and professional-looking. Instead of cramming your main ideas in the first paragraph, balance your essay points throughout.
Use soothing margins and declare the essay prompt and your answer in the introduction. Be consistent with spacing, indentation, and excellent spelling and punctuation. Also, be sure to follow citation rules as per the essay requirements (MLA, Chicago style, APA, etc.)
Seeing things from a different perspective is one way to help your essay stand out. Do not be afraid to answer your essay prompt in a way that is unconventional or unexpected.
One approach, for example, can involve creating a mystery; do not answer the prompt immediately. Instead, try to captivate the reader until the big reveal in the end. What do you wish to study at your dream college? You can reveal that in the final sentence of your essay after dropping clues that are relevant to your area of study.
You might want to talk about growing up in your native society; talk about your experiences, positive or negative, the bonds you made, the support you received, and how it helped you grow. You can talk about how you were interested in societies and end it off by writing how you wish to study social sciences.
Here’s an example of a college essay to help you write your own essay. Do not use our sample as your essay, it is only meant to serve as inspiration.
“A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship: My Journey to Columbia University
The delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems has always fascinated me. Growing up, my father's research on global warming ignited my curiosity and awakened a passion within me to make a positive impact on the planet's future. Now, as I stand at the precipice of my college journey, I am certain that pursuing an Environmental Science major is the path I must tread.
My interest in environmental science began at home, witnessing my father's tireless efforts to understand and combat the pressing issue of global warming. As a geoscientist, his dedication to research and his unwavering commitment to finding sustainable solutions inspired me greatly. Through conversations with him, I developed a deep understanding of the urgency to protect our planet and a burning desire to be part of the solution.
My high school education exposed me to the power of scientific inquiry. Courses in biology, chemistry, and physics helped me appreciate the intricate mechanisms that sustain life on Earth. As I delved deeper into environmental science, I realized that my passion lies not only in the study of ecosystems but also in understanding the human impact on our planet. It became clear to me that, armed with scientific knowledge, I could effect meaningful change by promoting sustainability and inspiring others to adopt eco-conscious practices.
Columbia University has long been at the forefront of environmental science research and education. The university's commitment to creating sustainable solutions and addressing global environmental challenges resonates deeply with my aspirations. Columbia's interdisciplinary approach, combining the sciences, policy, and social impact, aligns perfectly with my desire to explore the multifaceted nature of environmental issues. I am eager to learn from esteemed faculty members, engage in cutting-edge research, and collaborate with passionate peers who share my vision.
Beyond its academic excellence, Columbia University offers a vibrant community that thrives on diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity. I am drawn to the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and debates with fellow students who come from various backgrounds and cultures. I believe that this diverse tapestry of perspectives will broaden my understanding of environmental challenges and enrich my overall college experience.
At Columbia, I envision myself not only as a student but also as an advocate for environmental stewardship. I am excited to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and extracurricular opportunities to actively contribute to the cause. Whether it is organizing awareness campaigns, participating in research initiatives, or collaborating with local communities, I am determined to make a tangible difference. I believe that Columbia University's platform will empower me to transform my passion for the environment into actionable solutions.
As I embark on my college journey, I am confident that pursuing an Environmental Science major at Columbia University is the perfect step towards realizing my aspirations. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty, immerse myself in a diverse and intellectually stimulating community, and contribute to solving environmental challenges fills me with anticipation. With my father's inspiration guiding my path, I am ready to embrace the educational and personal growth opportunities that Columbia offers, transforming my passion into a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Why this essay works: The writer clearly highlights their passion, and immediately delves into the initial discovery of their interest. He takes the reader on a journey through time, beginning with witnessing his fathers impactful work and continuing through his high school education.
The writer also does an excellent job of including school-specific knowledge. He clearly highlights why he is interested in attending Columbia, and goes a step further by noting how he will contribute to Columbia’s student culture.
Finally, the applicant ends on a high note by once again affirming his interest in Columbia University, and looking toward the future. Your essay should highlight where you intend to go after your degree to let the admissions committee know how serious you are about completing your education to the best of your ability.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to FAQs on how to write a college essay.
Yes. You must first research each schools’ essay questions or prompts. Most schools use a common list of prompts, but others have their own application requirements. It would not hurt to tweak your essay for colleges based on the topics provided, for example the length of college essays typically varies between schools.
Your essay provides an opportunity to help the admissions committee learn about you as a person, your interests, character traits, and factors that cannot be seen on the more formal parts of your applications.
The topic you pick must shine a light on your strengths. Getting personal and opening a window for the admissions to delve into your world are all part of what makes a good college essay.
A good way to approach this would be to imagine you’re on a date with someone you have just met, and you want to instigate conversation. Which story would be the most appropriate for them? Would it succeed in growing the conversation and the bond between you two?
While you should be honest, genuine, and vulnerable in your essays, avoid discussing anything that’s too personal just for the sake of appearing raw or gritty.
Your academic achievements and credentials will already show up in different parts of your applications, so relying on them in your essay would be redundant. Remember your essay must add insight to your application and reveal your thoughts, motivations, and who you are as a person.
Do not try to over-polish your essay; be authentic. It is much easier to write in your own voice than talk too formally and include overbearing language in an effort to impress the admissions committee.
With that said, it is important that your essay is free of grammatical errors, so it doesn’t hurt to proofread and check for any syntax errors so your best work is displayed.
It is advised students should use the summer before their senior year to reflect on their experiences and determine what they would like to share with the admission committee. Ideally, you should complete the first draft of your essay by the start of school in September, which will allow you to focus on your senior year.
Your college application essay is due when your target school requires your other application materials. If you are applying to college through the Coalition Application or the CommonApp, you must submit your essay with your application.
Your college essay should highlight your soft skills, unique qualities, and motivations. Your topic can be just about any story from your past as long as it demonstrates your key abilities.
Many students choose to write about a challenge they have overcome and what they learned from that experience. This is an easy way to show leadership, self-awareness, communication skills, and, most importantly, how you’ve grown as a person.
A good college essay makes an impact on the reader. Your essay should stand out from others by demonstrating your unique personal experience, values, and perspective. Avoid cliches, the only way to write a memorable college essay is to maintain originality and be authentic.
You can also use formatting tools to make your essay stand out, such as beginning the essay with a question or using descriptive language to paint a picture of a significant person, place or thing. Just make sure whatever method you choose is compliant with the college application essay format rules outlined by your target schools
The purpose of your college essays is to show who you are beyond your academic achievements. Colleges are looking for what makes you a great candidate and how you’ll add to their community, but mainly they want to get to know you! That’s why it’s important to be authentic and avoid listing achievements they’ve already seen.
Pay close attention to each college essay prompt, as they typically have a required word count. If no word count is available, your essay should be 1.5 to 2 pages in length.
Writing a college admissions essay may be exhaustive, but if you plan ahead and keep making draft after draft, it will be a breeze by the time you submit your final copy. Colleges want to know the person applying for their school, and the essay is the best way to humanize you!
From drafting a personal statement to acquiring recommendation letters and seeking financial aid, applying for college can be a long, tedious task. Follow along to learn how to write a college admission essay.
One essential aspect of the admissions process is writing a stellar college admission essay. Essays allow students to add their own personal charm to their college application and demonstrate their unique qualities beyond test scores and transcripts.
Writing a great college essay is challenging for most. To help you write a killer essay, we’ll cover how long your essay should be, expectations regarding its structure, and how to choose the ideal prompt to give you the best chance of admission. Read on to learn unwritten rules and tips to help you write a good college admissions essay.
Drafting a college admissions essay that is well-written and impactful can make a world of a difference in whether or not your application is accepted. When the admissions committee chooses between you and another applicant with similar credentials, a powerful essay can tip the balance in your favor.
Through your college admissions essay, you can showcase your personality and demonstrate that you have thought carefully about why you would be a good match for the college you’re applying to. It illustrates your commitment to learning and eagerness to contribute to your dream school’s community.
Along with proving your writing skills, your essay also allows your soft skills to shine through your application, such as compassion, leadership, creativity, and more. Writing a good college essay that demonstrates your qualities through a compelling story can leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.
A college admissions essay does not necessarily have to follow the standard English essay format: five paragraphs, including an introduction and conclusion. However, any specific requirements differ between each college. Below we’ll outline how a college admissions essay should typically be structured.
College admissions essays usually do not require a title. Some students, however, choose to include a title because it’s the first thing the admissions committee will read, and it’s another chance to capture interest, demonstrate personality, and reframe their essay as a whole.
A title is purely optional. If you choose to incorporate a title, here are some tips:
Unless otherwise noted from the college application requirements, the number of paragraphs is up to you.
Some essays can be four paragraphs, while others use eight.
However, your essay, just as every other essay you have written (and will write in college), will require an introduction and a conclusion. It must adhere to the word limit, which will be discussed below.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all template that you can follow when writing your college admission essay. You are allowed, however, to use basic structures when writing your essay that can work for any prompt. You should also pay attending to any college application essay formatting guidelines your school provides.
Instead of page limits, colleges provide candidates with a specific word count for their admission essays. Colleges do this to ensure there’s a standard length for all the admissions essays they receive, regardless of format or font type.
If your prospective school does not specify how long your essay should be, you can always email the admissions committee to confirm before you start writing. While your essay can be close, it should not exceed the word limit. Standard practice is to aim to spare about 50 words from the total word limit. When given a range, respect it!
If you need to exceed the limit by maybe one to three extra words, you can definitely get away with it. However, you must be absolutely sure it is necessary to do so. There’s a chance that if you have to copy-paste your essay into your application rather than upload it, the formatting can become skewed, and a few words could be cut off.
Keep in mind that if you exceed the limit in a glaringly obvious way, the admissions office will stop reading your essay past a certain point. The word limit is like a small test for applicants – it is very important to follow the school’s rules, and they want to see who can make the best impression while following their specific rules and guidelines.
Sometimes, colleges do not have a word limit for their admission essays. It can be difficult figuring out an appropriate length for your prompt, but they may offer additional components, such as including a writing sample from one of your classes.
Colleges can provide a general guideline for writing samples, usually four to five pages demonstrating your writing and analytical abilities. It is not advised to provide a sample that exceeds ten pages.
Colleges usually have one prompt for you to address in your personal statement or will give you the option to choose from a list. Having a variety of questions to choose from can come with its own difficulties; you may not know which question is best or how to approach it.
Here is a list of the most common essay prompts and essay topics you can use to answer them.
You can answer this prompt by reflecting on a hobby, a part of your personality, or a genuine experience that was meaningful to you. Your essay should make the reader feel connected to you, and your essay can do that by offering an honest, personal insight into who you are.
Unless they are close to your heart, avoid talking about high school achievements in your prompt. Instead, talk about things that truly matter to you, like your love of nature, superheroes, special talents, or anything else that ties into who you are and what you believe.
Showing your best self can include learning from past mistakes or obstacles you had to overcome. Talking about overcoming challenges can display your courage, perseverance, determination, and self-control.
The conclusion is what really ties this prompt together; it allows you to explain how this obstacle changed your perspective on life and made you a stronger person.
This prompt requires you to answer by talking about a time you stood against the status quo or an experience that changed your view on a certain topic.
Only choose this prompt if you have a relevant, specific,experience you can recount. Discussing the lessons that you have learnt from this experience is a great way to conclude this essay. Keep in mind that writing a vague essay about a hot button issue doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything useful about you.
This prompt is designed to allow readers to delve into the heart of how you think and what makes you tick. Present a situation, explain it in detail, and show steps toward the solution.
Admissions officers want to learn more about your thought process and the issues you deal with. Explain how you first became aware of the issue and how you tackled it while reiterating why the problem is important to you. Don’t forget to explain why the problem is important to you!
Avoid the urge to write about a beloved figure like Princess Diana or Martin Luther King Jr. The admissions committee doesn't need to be convinced they are famous and influential people.
Focus on yourself: Choose someone who has altered your behavior or your worldview, and write about how this person influenced you.
This person could be a teacher, family member, or even a classmate that had an important impact on you.
Take this opportunity to examine an experience you’ve had in an extracurricular setting that taught you something you didn't previously know about yourself, got you out of your comfort zone, or forced you to grow.
Sometimes it's better to write about something hard because of the lessons learned rather than choosing to write about something easy. As with all essay questions, the most important thing is to tell a great story: how you discovered this activity, what drew you to it, and what it's shown you about yourself.
Even when you have the topic chosen and how you wish to address the topic set, it is still hard to know how to make an impactful essay. Here are some expert tips on how to write a college application essay.
While this may seem redundant, keep in mind that you have to read the instructions carefully. If you do not follow the guidelines, it tells the admissions officer you are likely to disregard instructions in your classes once admitted. Always read the instructions carefully and make notes, so you are prepared to create your first draft.
Writing is hard, but great writing is achievable if you follow the right path. Any journalist will tell you that the best way to get the readers’ attention is to have a great introduction. Admissions take a short time to review your essay, so make sure you start off with a vivid introduction to engage them.
Authenticity is greatly valued in post-secondary institutions, as it shows your quality of thinking. Avoid shaping your essay around popular phrases or ideas that have been used many times before; try to base it on your genuine beliefs.
Connect it to your skills, ambitions, existing knowledge on the matter, and how it will help you in your future endeavors.
Contrary to popular belief, the killer of an otherwise excellent essay is the famous quote. We get it, Winston Churchill is an excellent source of inspiration! However, you must understand the sheer volume of essays and repetitive themes that admissions committees are reading. Instead, consider your reader's perspective.
Ask yourself, what’s something the admissions committee has never seen before? You’re halfway there already, because they have never met you! Your unique experiences and qualities are what make you stand out, so lean into your own words rather than someone else’s.
Ultimately, your college essay is a chance for admissions committees to understand the inner workings of your mind. While showcasing your soft skills it can be challenging to sound credible. That’s why you need to make sure to support your story with anecdotal evidence.
The idea here is to avoid simply stating how great you are. Instead, include details of your story, and examples to develop your ideas. In other words: show, don’t tell! For instance, rather than stating “I’m an excellent leader,” tell a story about a time you demonstrated leadership and express what you learned from it.
The Common Application, and a few schools, will give you a list of prompts to help you tell your own story.
These prompts are useful starting off points and invite students to think about challenges they’ve overcome or experiences that have made them grateful. It’s an opportunity to display your growth, strength, and what makes a candidate who they are.
Keep in mind that your college admissions essay isn’t any ordinary paper, it’s a story. Be mindful of readability and construct your essay to maintain interest throughout the entire essay. Think of the classic methods of storytelling: your essay should have an intro, a body, a climax, and a conclusion that are clear without needing to over explain.
Most importantly, every good story has a message. For example, in the classic story of Cinderella, the main takeaway is that kindness (demonstrated through Cinderella’s actions) will be rewarded while selfishness (demonstrated through the evil step mother and siblings) will not. What’s your takeaway? What’s important to you, and why?
Your admissions essay is the place to express yourself, not to repeat the points of your resume that the admissions committee has already seen. Instead of repeating yourself, go deeper. Consider what makes you a great candidate beyond your grades. Are you a leader? Are you passionate about the school? Whatever it is, show it!
Of course, it’s important to edit your essay over and over again. You can have a friend, parent or teacher help you as well before submitting your final version. Ultimately, small grammar or spelling mistakes can be the difference between acceptance into a highly competitive program, so fire up the spell check!
Though developing a strong college essay can be a long, tedious process, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. There is a wide range of online admission resources that you can access through various universities and nonprofit organizations.
These help you make the best version of your prompt and enhance your chances of getting accepted.
It may go without saying, but it is extremely important to know your deadlines. You never want to end up in a situation where you’ve spent hundreds of hours preparing for college only to find out the application was due yesterday!
Submitting your materials early is also an excellent signifier to colleges that you manage your time well, and are passionate about the school.
Your college admissions essay showcases your way of thinking and personality; your essay should be as unique as you are. Instead of writing a dull, generic essay, write one that is true to who you are, one that will captivate the reader. Here are some tips on how to write a college application essay that stands out.
Arguably, the introduction is the most important part of your college admission essay because it sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Remember, first impressions matter. An engaging introduction will encourage readers to pay attention throughout the rest of your essay.
If you are having trouble figuring out how to start your college essay, here are some introductions you can use to grab the reader’s attention:
You’ve probably read a newspaper article at some point. You will notice the writer fades their voice behind the facts, leaving you without any info on the author. When writing your college admissions essay, you should do the exact opposite. You do not want to be one of the other thousands of applicants who fail to make an impression.
Instead, you want the admissions officer to say: “this is an actual person who wrote this; someone with feeling and depth.” Being vulnerable and putting your personality into your essay is a great way to achieve this; be honest, personable, and stay true to your own authentic voice. (Also, avoid cliches like famous quotes!)
Trying to act like an intellectual know-it-all is not only exhausting but a huge turn-off for college admissions. You need to be unique to get noticed. Write like you are a strong-minded individual. Use beautiful, descriptive language mixed with your typical casual language. Then, put emotion into your words to make your essay come alive!
When it comes to how to format your essay, readability is key. Use a reasonable font, one that is easily legible and professional-looking. Instead of cramming your main ideas in the first paragraph, balance your essay points throughout.
Use soothing margins and declare the essay prompt and your answer in the introduction. Be consistent with spacing, indentation, and excellent spelling and punctuation. Also, be sure to follow citation rules as per the essay requirements (MLA, Chicago style, APA, etc.)
Seeing things from a different perspective is one way to help your essay stand out. Do not be afraid to answer your essay prompt in a way that is unconventional or unexpected.
One approach, for example, can involve creating a mystery; do not answer the prompt immediately. Instead, try to captivate the reader until the big reveal in the end. What do you wish to study at your dream college? You can reveal that in the final sentence of your essay after dropping clues that are relevant to your area of study.
You might want to talk about growing up in your native society; talk about your experiences, positive or negative, the bonds you made, the support you received, and how it helped you grow. You can talk about how you were interested in societies and end it off by writing how you wish to study social sciences.
Here’s an example of a college essay to help you write your own essay. Do not use our sample as your essay, it is only meant to serve as inspiration.
“A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship: My Journey to Columbia University
The delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems has always fascinated me. Growing up, my father's research on global warming ignited my curiosity and awakened a passion within me to make a positive impact on the planet's future. Now, as I stand at the precipice of my college journey, I am certain that pursuing an Environmental Science major is the path I must tread.
My interest in environmental science began at home, witnessing my father's tireless efforts to understand and combat the pressing issue of global warming. As a geoscientist, his dedication to research and his unwavering commitment to finding sustainable solutions inspired me greatly. Through conversations with him, I developed a deep understanding of the urgency to protect our planet and a burning desire to be part of the solution.
My high school education exposed me to the power of scientific inquiry. Courses in biology, chemistry, and physics helped me appreciate the intricate mechanisms that sustain life on Earth. As I delved deeper into environmental science, I realized that my passion lies not only in the study of ecosystems but also in understanding the human impact on our planet. It became clear to me that, armed with scientific knowledge, I could effect meaningful change by promoting sustainability and inspiring others to adopt eco-conscious practices.
Columbia University has long been at the forefront of environmental science research and education. The university's commitment to creating sustainable solutions and addressing global environmental challenges resonates deeply with my aspirations. Columbia's interdisciplinary approach, combining the sciences, policy, and social impact, aligns perfectly with my desire to explore the multifaceted nature of environmental issues. I am eager to learn from esteemed faculty members, engage in cutting-edge research, and collaborate with passionate peers who share my vision.
Beyond its academic excellence, Columbia University offers a vibrant community that thrives on diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity. I am drawn to the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and debates with fellow students who come from various backgrounds and cultures. I believe that this diverse tapestry of perspectives will broaden my understanding of environmental challenges and enrich my overall college experience.
At Columbia, I envision myself not only as a student but also as an advocate for environmental stewardship. I am excited to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and extracurricular opportunities to actively contribute to the cause. Whether it is organizing awareness campaigns, participating in research initiatives, or collaborating with local communities, I am determined to make a tangible difference. I believe that Columbia University's platform will empower me to transform my passion for the environment into actionable solutions.
As I embark on my college journey, I am confident that pursuing an Environmental Science major at Columbia University is the perfect step towards realizing my aspirations. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty, immerse myself in a diverse and intellectually stimulating community, and contribute to solving environmental challenges fills me with anticipation. With my father's inspiration guiding my path, I am ready to embrace the educational and personal growth opportunities that Columbia offers, transforming my passion into a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Why this essay works: The writer clearly highlights their passion, and immediately delves into the initial discovery of their interest. He takes the reader on a journey through time, beginning with witnessing his fathers impactful work and continuing through his high school education.
The writer also does an excellent job of including school-specific knowledge. He clearly highlights why he is interested in attending Columbia, and goes a step further by noting how he will contribute to Columbia’s student culture.
Finally, the applicant ends on a high note by once again affirming his interest in Columbia University, and looking toward the future. Your essay should highlight where you intend to go after your degree to let the admissions committee know how serious you are about completing your education to the best of your ability.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to FAQs on how to write a college essay.
Yes. You must first research each schools’ essay questions or prompts. Most schools use a common list of prompts, but others have their own application requirements. It would not hurt to tweak your essay for colleges based on the topics provided, for example the length of college essays typically varies between schools.
Your essay provides an opportunity to help the admissions committee learn about you as a person, your interests, character traits, and factors that cannot be seen on the more formal parts of your applications.
The topic you pick must shine a light on your strengths. Getting personal and opening a window for the admissions to delve into your world are all part of what makes a good college essay.
A good way to approach this would be to imagine you’re on a date with someone you have just met, and you want to instigate conversation. Which story would be the most appropriate for them? Would it succeed in growing the conversation and the bond between you two?
While you should be honest, genuine, and vulnerable in your essays, avoid discussing anything that’s too personal just for the sake of appearing raw or gritty.
Your academic achievements and credentials will already show up in different parts of your applications, so relying on them in your essay would be redundant. Remember your essay must add insight to your application and reveal your thoughts, motivations, and who you are as a person.
Do not try to over-polish your essay; be authentic. It is much easier to write in your own voice than talk too formally and include overbearing language in an effort to impress the admissions committee.
With that said, it is important that your essay is free of grammatical errors, so it doesn’t hurt to proofread and check for any syntax errors so your best work is displayed.
It is advised students should use the summer before their senior year to reflect on their experiences and determine what they would like to share with the admission committee. Ideally, you should complete the first draft of your essay by the start of school in September, which will allow you to focus on your senior year.
Your college application essay is due when your target school requires your other application materials. If you are applying to college through the Coalition Application or the CommonApp, you must submit your essay with your application.
Your college essay should highlight your soft skills, unique qualities, and motivations. Your topic can be just about any story from your past as long as it demonstrates your key abilities.
Many students choose to write about a challenge they have overcome and what they learned from that experience. This is an easy way to show leadership, self-awareness, communication skills, and, most importantly, how you’ve grown as a person.
A good college essay makes an impact on the reader. Your essay should stand out from others by demonstrating your unique personal experience, values, and perspective. Avoid cliches, the only way to write a memorable college essay is to maintain originality and be authentic.
You can also use formatting tools to make your essay stand out, such as beginning the essay with a question or using descriptive language to paint a picture of a significant person, place or thing. Just make sure whatever method you choose is compliant with the college application essay format rules outlined by your target schools
The purpose of your college essays is to show who you are beyond your academic achievements. Colleges are looking for what makes you a great candidate and how you’ll add to their community, but mainly they want to get to know you! That’s why it’s important to be authentic and avoid listing achievements they’ve already seen.
Pay close attention to each college essay prompt, as they typically have a required word count. If no word count is available, your essay should be 1.5 to 2 pages in length.
Writing a college admissions essay may be exhaustive, but if you plan ahead and keep making draft after draft, it will be a breeze by the time you submit your final copy. Colleges want to know the person applying for their school, and the essay is the best way to humanize you!
