How to Write Good College Essays

If you're unsure about what to write in your college essay or don't even know where to start and how to make the best version, this post is for you.

After reading this post and reflecting on yourself, you'll have several ideas for your college essay and the best ways to write them.

The Origin

As higher education became more accessible and competitive in the early 20th century, colleges sought innovative ways to evaluate applicants beyond academic records and test scores.

By the mid-20th century, the college essay emerged as a crucial component of the application process, offering admissions committees a unique window into an applicant's character, values, and potential.

Today, more than 60% of colleges view the essay as having considerable or moderate importance in their admissions decisions (Source).

If you have a decent GPA and SAT/ACT scores, your college essay is the way to stand out among your peers with similar scores.

Why the College Essay is Important

1. Holistic Evaluation: Colleges use essays to gain insight into an applicant's personality, values, and potential fit for their institution.

2. Demonstration of Writing Skills: Strong writing skills are essential for success in college. The essay allows applicants to showcase their ability to communicate effectively.

3. Differentiation: With many applicants having similar academic achievements, the essay can set you apart by highlighting your unique experiences and perspective.

4. Insight into Personal Growth: Colleges want to see evidence of personal growth and self-reflection, traits that indicate readiness for the challenges of higher education.

Common Mistake #1 - Unattractive Hook

Remember, in the first two paragraphs of this article, I promise to guide you through writing an outstanding college essay. By the end of this post, you’ll have ideas for your essay and the know-how to write them well.

This is the hook that has made you read through this article. I understand who my audience is and try to provide them with the best insights and guides (hopefully I do!), as that is the purpose of this newsletter.

The audience of your college essay will be admission officers, application review committees, and/or alumni interviewers.

You need to show who you are and what you’re capable of through interesting stories in your essay.

Writing a compelling hook is the first step to writing a successful college essay.

It could be an anecdote, question, description, conflict, or quote, but it must capture the reader's attention and reveal something about yourself or your background.

Here’s an example:

There are numerous ways to write a hook, so be creative, descriptive, and detailed while ensuring it serves its purpose.

Common Mistake #2 - Wrong Word Choices

Wrong words are generic, passive, filled with jargon, or lack authenticity.

Here are some tips to avoid this mistake:

• Be Specific: Instead of saying "many experiences," specify what those experiences were and how they impacted you.

• Use Active Voice: Replace "Mistakes were made" (passive, not good) with "I made mistakes" (active, good).

• Avoid Jargon: Unless it is relevant to your topic, avoid using specialized terms that might confuse the reader.

• Be Authentic: Use your natural voice. Don’t try to sound overly sophisticated or use words you wouldn’t normally use.

Common Mistake #3 - Too Generic

A generic essay often fails to leave a lasting impression on the reader because it doesn't provide unique insights into who you are.

Here’s how to avoid being too generic:

• Be Personal: Instead of saying, "I like helping others," describe a specific event where you made a significant impact on someone's life.

• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of writing, "I faced many challenges," explain a particular challenge you overcame and how it affected you.

• Be Reflective: Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and how they shaped your growth. For example, discuss how participating in a debate club taught you the value of considering diverse viewpoints and how this skill will benefit you in college.

Bad: "I have done a lot of activities that were important to me."

Better: "Leading the community cleanup initiative taught me the importance of environmental stewardship and teamwork."

In the better example, the sentence is specific, uses active voice, and conveys the significance of the experience.

How to Choose a Topic for Your College Essay

1. Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about significant moments in your life that have shaped who you are. These can be big events or small, seemingly insignificant experiences that had a profound impact on you. For instance, you can write about the challenges of moving to a new country, emphasizing how this experience fostered resilience and adaptability.

2. Focus on Your Passions: Write about something you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm should come through in your writing and engage the reader. For example, if you are passionate about environmental conservation, you could write about a project you led to reduce plastic waste in your community.

3. Avoid Clichés: Topics like winning the big game or volunteering trips are common. Try to find a unique angle or focus on the personal growth you experienced rather than the event itself. Instead of writing about the victory, focus on the lessons learned from a season of losses and how it shaped your perseverance.

4. Consider the Prompt: If the college provides a specific prompt, make sure your topic addresses it directly. For example, if the prompt asks about a time you challenged a belief, you could write about how questioning traditional gender roles in your family led to meaningful conversations and changes.

How to Write a Compelling Essay

1) Strong Start is a Must

As mentioned earlier, the hook is crucial. Beyond the initial hook, ensure your opening sets the stage for the story you’re about to tell. The goal is to draw the reader in and make them eager to read more.

Example:

2) Develop a Clear Structure

A well-organized essay is easier to read and understand. Follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should flow logically into the next.

1. Introduction: Start with your hook and provide a brief overview of what your essay will cover.

2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your story or a particular experience. Use vivid details and examples to illustrate your points.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reflect on what you’ve learned and how it has shaped you.

3) Use Vivid Details and Examples

Show, don't tell. Use descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader’s mind. Specific details make your story more engaging and memorable.

Example:

4) Reflect on Your Experiences

Colleges want to see evidence of self-reflection and personal growth. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and how they’ve shaped your goals and aspirations.

Example:

5) Be Authentic

Your essay should reflect your true self. Avoid using overly complex language or trying to sound like someone you’re not. Authenticity resonates more with readers and makes your essay more relatable.

6) Edit and Revise

Writing a compelling essay is an iterative process. Don’t be afraid to write multiple drafts and seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or teachers.

Tips for Effective Revision:

• Read Aloud: Reading your essay out loud can help you catch awkward phrases and ensure it flows smoothly.

• Seek Feedback: Get input from others to identify areas for improvement.

• Check for Clarity: Ensure each sentence and paragraph conveys your intended message.

• Proofread: Look for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies.

Examples of Strong Essays

1. Personal Growth: One student wrote about how volunteering at a local shelter opened their eyes to the realities of homelessness and inspired them to advocate for affordable housing.

2. Overcoming Challenges: Another student described their journey of learning to manage a chronic illness, detailing how this experience taught them resilience and time management skills.

3. Passion for a Subject: A student shared their deep interest in astronomy, recounting nights spent stargazing and a summer internship at a planetarium that solidified their desire to study astrophysics.

If your essay can weave all three elements above into a compelling story, you're on the right track.

Conclusion

Writing a college essay is more than just completing an application requirement; it’s a chance to learn about yourself.

By writing your essay, you can discover what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at, and what you truly care about.

Think of your college essay as an opportunity to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. Be honest and reflect on your experiences. Share your unique story in a way that highlights your strengths and growth.

Remember, this essay is your chance to make a strong impression on admissions officers.

Use this opportunity to tell your story, and you might find that the process not only helps with your application but also helps you understand yourself better.

Hope this helps and good luck! ☘️