college essay guide

How to Write a College Application Essay: 7 Tips + Step-by-Step How-to

How to write a college application essay can be one of the more confusing elements of the college application process. But we think it doesn’t have to be.

So we’re building this post to offer a clear, step-by-step process you can use, followed by tips for how to strengthen your essay (also referred to as a “personal statement”).

Step 0 will be the same for everyone. 

Steps 1, 2, and 3 will vary depending on which structural approach you choose in step 0. 

Getting started is often the hardest part. Take this a step at a time, and you’ll be good to go.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 0: choose a structure, section 1—how to draft your montage college application essay, section 2—how to draft your narrative college application essay, 7 tips for writing your college application essay, final thoughts and key takeaways for your college application essay.

By “structure,” we mean what you’ll use to organize your essay’s content in a way that helps your reader understand clearly and easily.

We’ll talk through two structural options below: “montage” and “narrative.”

Some quick definitions:

A montage uses a few different moments or experiences that are connected by a theme, like three body paragraphs on three different pairs of shoes you’ve owned, and the different sides of you those shoes allow you to talk about.

A narrative is generally chronological, and focuses on what you did to overcome a challenge you’ve faced.

Important note that neither approach is inherently better: admissions officers do not have a preference . Unless they give you a prompt that specifically asks you to write about a challenge you’ve faced, you do not have to write about one—you should make your choice purely based on what allows you to most clearly illustrate some of your core values, insights, interests, qualities, and skills.

If you’ve 

faced significant challenges in your life, and 

you want to write about them

try a narrative approach. ( Skip down to Section 2, below ) 

If you 

haven’t faced significant challenges, or 

you have but you don’t want to write about them or be defined by them

try a montage approach. ( See Section 1, next )

There are virtually infinite things you could use as a theme to connect paragraphs in a montage.

But we’re going to focus on just one, one that we’ve seen work thousands of times for thousands of students to create thousands of unique essays.

In this section, we’ll talk you through steps for how to use some of your different roles and identities to build a montage essay.

If, after reading through these steps, you want to explore other ways you can build a montage by brainstorming other kinds of thematic threads, head to this larger guide on writing college essays .

Montage Essay Step 1—Quick roles/identities brainstorm Take 5-10 minutes to write down different identities or roles that you claim or play in life, based on the chart below. Useful note: don’t skip over the “other” category —we’ve seen students write about roles and identities like Climate protector Tinkerer Seeker Center Finder Question-asker Bookworm And dozens (hundreds) of others like these that don’t necessarily first come to mind with the boxes below . .tg .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-lnh0 .tg .tg-7huv .tg .tg-fymr .tg .tg-0pky Domain My identity/identities Race Ethnicity, heritage, culture National origin; birthplace; places lived First language, language use Sex, gender, gender expression Romantic/sexual orientation Religion, spirituality, faith, ideology Class, economic background Ability/disability status (physical, developmental, etc.) Family identity: roles, birth order, etc. Physical appearance + body type Abilities/Talents/Superpowers Interests Other In a minute, we’ll show you how to turn those identities into a basic outline, and then turn that outline into a draft. Before we do, we’re going to show you an example essay that uses this approach, so you can see where you’re heading with this. Having a sense of it will make outlining and drafting easier. Montage essay example—“Angry brown girl, feminist, singer, meme-lover” (identities-themed montage)

My Twitter bio reads: angry brown girl, feminist, singer, meme-lover. You will notice live-tweets of my feminist Pride and Prejudice thoughts, analyses of Hamilton’s power for musical representation, and political memes. Just as my posts bring together seemingly disparate topics, I believe there is a vibrancy that exists at the multidimensional place where my interests intersect.

Growing up as a debater and musician, it was easy to see the two as distinct entities where I had to make unequivocal choices. At the start of my junior year, I decided not to participate in the musical in order to work for Emerge California, an organization that helps Democratic women run for office. There I learned about data science, gender distributions in public office, and how to work with the evil printer. I also halted my voice and piano lessons to focus on building my student-led non-profit, Agents of Change. As someone who has diverted my energy into community activism, I can attest to the power of grassroots movements. It has been so rewarding to measure the impact that my team has had on my community. But even so, I felt that I was losing touch with the music that was such a profound part of me.

I found a new way of being when I started combining my artsy and political sides. I took an intensive class on protest music, where I learned how political movements have been shaped by the music of their time. While in the class, we were asked to compose our own songs. I am not a songwriter, but I am an activist, and I embraced the opportunity to turn music into an outlet for my political beliefs. As a first-generation American, I am dedicated to raising awareness about refugee rights and immigration. My songs about the Syrian Refugee Crisis let me find a way to bring the two sides of me together and gave me a rush that neither music nor politics by themselves would have provided.

This introduction led me to apply to the Telluride Association Protest Poetics program, where I dove deeper into my own identity. I wrote songs about police brutality and the ways that as a non-black person of color I am implicated in instances of subliminal racism. Over the course of the program, as I became more familiar with the visual, literary, and performance art we analyzed, I slowly started to realize that, though I confront colorism, jokes about Indian culture, and intra-community violence in some form every day, my proximity to whiteness still gives me immense amounts of privilege. I have come to know that this means I have a responsibility to both be at the forefront of movements, and conscious of not stepping over the voices of other intersectional identities. I hope that the music I choose to perform and the way I live my life can amplify, not overwrite, any of the struggles that others deal with daily.

Last year, I had another opportunity to use music to pay homage to an issue I care deeply about. In my South Asian community, mental health is an issue that is often papered over. When a member of my school community committed suicide, I was asked to sing “Amazing Grace” for the school to both unify and honor the student. Though I thought that I had really understood the power of music, holding that space for my entire school had a profound resonance that I still don’t fully understand.

My voice is an instrument for change—whether it be through me raising my hand to contribute to a discussion in a classroom, speaking out against gun violence at a rally, or singing at an event of solidarity. I know that someday my voice, in conjunction with many other unique voices and perspectives, will make a difference.

Notice that this essay does its job (showing her core values, insights, qualities, skills, and interests) really well, and essentially all it’s doing is just illustrating those values, insights, etc. through different roles/identities, with each body paragraph demonstrating those roles/identities through specific actions and experiences.

Montage Essay Step 2—Connect identities + values + examples/experiences

A.) List out 4-7 of the roles/identities that are most important to you and that you feel can best show a college the values, insights, qualities, interests, and skills you bring to that college. Note that some might fit well together, like they do below.

Here’s what that could look like for the example essay above:

B.) Then look at this look at this list of values and add one or two values that are important to you that you want to demonstrate to a college.

C.) Then, think about a moment or experience that can potentially illustrate this role/identity + value to your reader.

Those bullets are the outline for the body paragraphs of the montage. Each will use specific actions and details to demonstrate core values via the related roles/identities.

Montage Essay Step 3—Write a draft, then revise

For now, you can write a simple placeholder intro, like “I have played many roles in my life. Here are some of the most important ones.” You can play with intros and conclusions later, but as we said up top, often the hardest part of writing your college application essay is starting.

So skip getting stuck thinking about an opening, come back to it later, and focus on building clear, strong body paragraphs that show a reader your core values, insights, qualities, skills, and interests.

Think back to the essay above. The intro and conclusion help, but it’s the body paragraphs that really matter.

Focus on those in your first draft.

How to revise your essay

After you’ve written a first draft of those body paragraphs, if you have time before submission deadlines, it’s great to step away from the essay for a day or two, so you can assess it with fresh eyes.

At minimum, you’ll want to make sure there’s a clear flow and use of language in your essay. That’s easier to do when you haven’t read it for a bit, and can read it more like how a total stranger would.

To get you started, this guide to Revising Your Essay in 5 Steps will help you create clearer logical flow, as will this breakdown of 9 different ways to effectively transition .

Want to build more detailed, illustrative body paragraphs? Check out this guide on how to (mostly) show, not tell with your writing .

Worried about your essay sounding similar to other applicants’ essays? We have resources on how to understand and create “voice” in your work. .

Want to build a better intro/opening? Check out a bunch of options to play with for intros here .(we’d recommend experimenting, even if you have something you like—through exploring, you may find something even better).

Want to strengthen the ending of your essay? Here’s a guide to how to build strong essay endings .

Additionally, one of the best general tips we can give you as you revise is to read your essay out loud to yourself. And again, try to read from a total stranger’s perspective. Reading out loud will help you notice problems you might miss when reading it in your mind. And reading from a stranger’s perspective will help ensure you aren’t relying on things in your brain that need to be on the page (but aren’t).

You might also try reading it to a trusted family member, teacher, or friend. They might be able to give you some constructive feedback to make your piece more relatable or accessible for other people. Just keep in mind that some people may have a good sense of what makes for strong writing in general, but not necessarily what makes for a strong college essay specifically.

If you want to write a narrative about a challenge you’ve faced, the Feelings and Needs exercise below will help you develop great bullet points to turn into an essay.

A key thing to keep in mind with narrative (this is so important we’re going to say it multiple times):

 Try to split your word count into roughly thirds

1/3rd for the Challenge + Effects

1/3rd (or maybe a bit more) for What I Did About It

1/3rd for What I Learned/How It Changed Me

One of the biggest, most frequent mistakes we see in narratives is to make most of the essay about the challenge itself.

But what really matters to your reader, and what helps them to see the core values, insights, qualities, skills, and interests you bring to a college, are what you did about the challenge and what you learned from your experiences.

Be sure your essay mostly focuses on those things.

Narrative Essay Step 1—The Feelings and Needs Exercise The Feelings and Needs Exercise is built to help you develop all the content you’ll need to write a first draft of your narrative college application essay. Instructions: Click here to watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise and click here to view the accompanying PDF. As you listen, you can complete the exercise below. .tg .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-amwm .tg .tg-0lax Challenges Effects Feelings Needs What I Did What I Learned Once you’ve done that exercise, and before we show you how to turn it into an outline and draft, we want to give you an example essay that came from this exercise, so you have a concrete sense of the structural direction you’re aiming for. Narrative essay example—The Little Porch and a Dog

It was the first Sunday of April. My siblings and I were sitting at the dinner table giggling and spelling out words in our alphabet soup. The phone rang and my mother answered. It was my father; he was calling from prison in Oregon.

My father had been stopped by immigration on his way to Yakima, Washington, where he’d gone in search of work. He wanted to fulfill a promise he’d made to my family of owning our own house with a nice little porch and a dog.

Fortunately, my father was bailed out of prison by a family friend in Yakima. Unfortunately, though, most of our life savings was spent on his bail. We moved into a rented house, and though we did have a porch, it wasn’t ours. My father went from being a costurero (sewing worker) to being a water-filter salesman, mosaic tile maker, lemon deliverer, and butcher.

Money became an issue at home, so I started helping out more. After school I’d rush home to clean up and make dinner. My parents refused to let me have a “real” job, so on Saturday afternoons I’d go to the park with my older brother to collect soda cans. Sundays and summertime were spent cleaning houses with my mother.

I worked twice as hard in school. I helped clean my church, joined the choir, and tutored my younger sister in math. As tensions eased at home, I returned to cheerleading, joined a school club called Step Up , and got involved in my school’s urban farm, where I learned the value of healthy eating. Slowly, life improved. Then I received some life-changing news.

My father’s case was still pending and, due to a form he’d signed when he was released in Yakima, it was not only him that was now in danger of being deported, it was my entire family. My father’s lawyer informed me that I’d have to testify in court and in fact our stay in the US was now dependent on my testimony.

The lawyer had an idea: I had outstanding grades and recommendation letters. If we could show the judge the importance of my family remaining here to support my education, perhaps we had a chance. So I testified.

My father won his case and was granted residency.

Living in a low-income immigrant household has taught me to appreciate all I’ve been given. Testifying in court helped me grow as a person, has made me more open-minded and aware of the problems facing my community. And my involvement in the urban farm has led me to consider a career as a nutritionist.

Though neither of my parents attended college, they understand that college is a key factor to a bright future and therefore have been very supportive. And though we don't yet have the house with the small porch and the dog, we're still holding out hope.

I believe college can help.

Important note: Notice that the essay above covers the Challenge + Effects in about 150 words, then uses 336 words to focus more on the What I Did and What I Learned aspects of the narrative. That’s that ⅓, ⅓, ⅓ split we talked about in the beginning of this section. And it’s a big part of why the essay works so well.

Next, we’ll show you how you can use the content from your Feelings and Needs Exercise to build an outline and rough draft.

Narrative Essay Step 2—Turn the Feelings and Needs Exercise into an outline

Here’s how:

A.)Take the Challenges and Effects boxes and simply put them on top of each other as bullets.

Here’s what that would look like for the example essay above.

B.) Now, add the stuff in the “What I Did About It” box underneath.

What I did about it

C.) Now, add the “What I Learned” beneath

All those bullets together are the outline for the first draft of your narrative.

Narrative Essay Step 3—Write a draft, then revise

For now, you can write a simple placeholder intro , like “My experience facing [X challenge] changed who I am.” You can play with intros and conclusions later, but as we said up top, often the hardest part of writing your college application essay is starting.

The goal of your personal statement is to show the core values, insights, skills, qualities, and interests you’ll bring with you to a college campus.

Generally avoid these common personal statement topics : common extracurricular activities (e.g. volleyball), changing schools, bad grades. Why? These topics are really common topics for college essays and may lead you to blending in.

Personal statements on challenges aren’t necessarily “better.” Really. We’ve seen thousands of students write really strong essays that aren’t about facing challenges. 

Before you start your draft, create a simple outline to make sure your topic will work. Use the steps above to do so.

Can’t decide between several topics? Ask yourself: “Which of these topics is most likely to show the core values, insights, skills, qualities, and interests I’ll bring with me to a college campus?

Don’t worry so much about having the perfect “hook” (opening) or conclusion when you’re just starting. Instead, focus on building body paragraphs that demonstrate your core values/insights/skills/qualities/interests .

To guide your revisions, read your essay out loud to yourself. And as much as possible, try to read from a total stranger’s perspective. Reading out loud will help you notice problems you might miss when reading silently. And reading from a stranger’s perspective will help ensure you aren’t relying on things in your brain that need to be on the page (but aren’t).

We’ve said this a ton because we think it provides the clearest, best frame for thinking about your personal statement: the primary purpose of your college application essay is to help a college understand the core values, insights, qualities, skills, and interests you bring to the college/community.

You can show those things through either montage structure, or narrative structure. Neither is inherently better. It’s just a question of which is better for you as an individual.

If you take this a step at a time, you can build a strong essay for your college applications.

So dive in, and have a little fun.

Special thanks to Andrew Simpson for writing this blog post

Andrew Simpson , CEG’s Editorial Director, has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 15 years, and earned degrees from Stanford in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops and in oceans.

Top Values:  Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity

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When it comes to writing your college essay (or personal statement), it doesn’t matter whether you aced your SAT or failed your Algebra II class. Admissions committees are looking beyond your test scores and grades to truly understand who you are and what you can bring to their institution. 🌟

Since high school grades and test scores don’t tell the whole story, a great personal statement could be your ticket to the school of your dreams .

Now, the question is: how do I write an unforgettable essay that will impress admissions? 🤔

What Colleges Want to See in Your Essay

1. read all of the instructions, 2. brainstorm your college essay topic , 3. create your outline, 4. hook your readers with a compelling introduction, 5. support your ideas with examples, 6. use your voice and allow your personality to shine, 8. end your essay with a bang, 9. revise, revise, and revise some more, 10. ask someone to proofread your college essay, pro writing tips for nailing your college essay, frequently asked questions about how to write a college essay.

Your college essay should stand out to ensure that admissions officers remember you, even after reading through thousands of applications. Show the colleges who you really are — your personality, motivation, and why you’re the perfect fit. 🌟

Share moments that reveal your love for learning and your go-getter attitude. Let them know your thoughts on your desired major , and highlight how you’ve made a difference in clubs, groups, internship programs , or other activities. 🎓

But here’s the exciting part: you should use your essay to let your unique voice and creativity shine. Turn your opinions and beliefs into a strong, well-written message. Grab the reader’s attention with your originality and depth. 📝

Step-by-Step: How to Write Your College Essay

Writing a good college essay comes with a lot of pressure. You have to choose a suitable topic, navigate the limited word count, and make sure there are no grammatical errors . On top of that, you’ll probably need to write more than one piece. ✍️

But there’s no need to panic — we’ve broken down the whole writing process into 10 simple steps.   

Before you begin writing, make sure you carefully read the essay instructions . It’s essential to follow them closely because not doing so could make a poor impression on the admissions committee, and they might not even read your essay. 

College essay instructions typically mention the word or page count and provide a writing prompt. Once you’re sure you understand what is being asked of you, start thinking of a topic that fits well. 💡

Take a look at the writing prompts released by Common App to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that’s so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Your topic is the most fundamental element of your college essay, but figuring out what to write about can be tricky. To narrow down your choices, align the essay topic with your unique experiences, values, or a transformative moment in your life . ✨

This targeted approach ensures that your essay not only stands out but also authentically represents who you are in the eyes of college admissions. Look back on your experiences and find a moment that really shows off your character. It could be an exciting adventure, a personal win, or a tough challenge you conquered.

Do you have any standout talents, like being a great painter, a skilled soccer player, or a talented pianist? Sharing your talents also shows how dedicated and passionate you are. 🎨

If the prompt wants you to talk about challenging beliefs, share a time you went against the norm . Perhaps you spoke out against an injustice, took a stance on a controversial issue, or challenged societal expectations. For instance, you might share a story about standing up to a bully for a friend. Or alternatively, you could explore an experience that pushed you to defy conventional beliefs . 💭

TIP: Ask your parents, friends, or teachers what they find most admirable or interesting about you. It can even be a memory or a lesson they learned from spending time with you.

Once you know what you want to write about, create an outline. A good structure will give your story a solid beginning, middle, and end.  📝

For starters, think about the main point or thesis of your piece. If you follow our prompts above, an example of a main idea could be the importance of mental health in the pursuit of academic excellence. Then visualize the relationships between your arguments and determine the order of ideas that tells the story in the clearest, most effective manner .

Here’s a basic breakdown of what your outline will need. 

• Introduction: 
• Open with an attention-grabbing line.
• Give a brief overview of the essay.
• End with your thesis statement.
• Present the main points — usually two or three ideas, each with its own paragraph.
• Give relevant examples and details for each point. 
• Echo your thesis statement.
• Summarize your main points.
• End with a strong, memorable line.

Sound familiar? That’s because the structure for your college essay is no different from the essays you’ve been writing in your high school English classes. With a great outline in place, all that’s left is to fill in the gaps and polish your message to perfection. 🧑‍💻

To write an outstanding college essay, you’ve got to nail your opening statement . Capture your reader’s attention from the start, as it sets the tone for the entire essay. 👀

A distinctive opening sentence, whether it’s an anecdote, quote, or thought-provoking question related to your topic, can ignite your reader’s curiosity and maintain their interest. 

Play around with making your opening hook witty, intriguing, memorable, or unconventional , but don’t get too stuck on writing your introduction.

TIP:  If the introduction doesn’t come to you right away, move on, and return to it later with a fresh perspective. 😉

Make your essay more credible by supporting your claims or ideas with specific details and examples. Instead of just stating facts, share experiences that illustrate your points . 

For example, if you’re talking about thriving under pressure, describe how you managed multiple deadlines for papers and presentations alongside a busy extracurricular schedule. 🗓️

Also, try to include numerical data to make your essay stronger . If you were involved in a fundraising campaign, mention how much money you raised and the percentage it increased from the previous year. This gives specific details and solid proof of what you achieved.

This not only makes your essay more honest and reliable but also gives the admissions committee a memorable view of your strengths in real-life situations. 💯

Your essay must remain authentic and true to your personality. This will help admissions officers develop an accurate impression of you. While college essay examples can provide inspiration, be cautious not to mimic their tone, writing style, or format too closely. 🗒️

Shape your essay with your unique voice and personal beliefs , as it’s a portrayal of who you are. 

Say you’re writing about a volunteering experience. Instead of providing a generic overview of your tasks, delve into a specific moment that profoundly impacted you. Share your thoughts, emotions, and reflections during that moment — instead of merely stating the facts. 🥰

Maintain your individual style and draw from your experiences. As long as you remain polite and grammatically correct, you can write similarly to how you speak.

Consider that humor may not always translate well onto paper , and admissions officers may not share your comedic sensibilities. Be mindful of this as you craft your essay. 🛑

Rule of thumb: if you have to ask whether something is appropriate, it probably is not.

7. Stay Focused on Your Message

When writing a college essay, remember that every word counts . You only have several hundred words to make an impact on the admissions committee, so use them wisely.

Stay on topic, and don’t add anything that distracts from the overall message . By including unnecessary details, you risk confusing the reader or losing their interest altogether. So stick to your outline, and make sure every word is supporting your main arguments. ✅

As you approach the final paragraphs of your essay, aim to leave a lasting impression on your reader . Your conclusion is the last opportunity to reinforce the key points and emotions you want to convey. 👌

Instead of merely summarizing your main points, consider leaving your audience with a thought-provoking insight, a reflective question, or a powerful statement that echoes the essay’s theme. 

This will ensure that your essay lingers in the minds of the admissions committee, leaving them with a powerful and memorable takeaway. 🤯

Crafting a college essay masterpiece takes time, so don’t rush it in one go . Put your draft on hold and give it a day or two before diving back in.

This break can help you catch grammatical slip-ups and evaluate if your essay conveys the message you intend. Ask yourself: Is it gripping? Is the structure solid? Does it truly reflect me? 🤔

Colleges use your essay to understand you and your writing prowess, so offer them your finest work — avoid submitting your initial draft .

Getting a second pair of eyes on your essay is a must for top-notch results. Ask a family member, friend, or favorite teacher for feedback. Fresh perspectives can catch mistakes and make your essay even better in ways you might not have thought of! 🚀

✔️ Write About What’s Important To You 

Build your narrative around impactful moments in your life. When you focus on authentic experiences, your essay becomes more genuine and easier to compose.

✔️ Don’t Waste the Reader’s Time 

Make sure your work gets to the point swiftly and stays on-topic.  

✔️ Balance Your Tone With Your Audience in Mind 

It’s essential to come across as authentic but don’t drown your essay with too much sarcasm, humor, or cynicism. Consider your audience — is this the tone you would want to use if you spoke to them in person?

✔️ Omit Unnecessary Words To Improve Readability

When a sentence works without that added adjective or phrase, you might not need it. Brevity provides clarity. It also makes your words more impactful.

✔️ Show, Don’t Tell 

Your essay will be more memorable if you use descriptive language to help immerse your reader rather than simply describing what happened. Instead of saying, “I was excited,” talk about how you felt the uncontrollable urge to smile as you received good news. 

✔️ Avoid Repeating Achievements Already Found on Your Resume 

Your college essay should show your personal qualities, such as leadership, willingness to take risks, individual growth, teamwork, and anything else that’s not already in your application.

✔️ You Don’t Always Have To Use the Thesaurus 

Use language that sounds natural and conveys your message clearly and directly. Don’t assume that big words will make for a better essay. The more complex your wording is, the greater risk that your message could get buried.  

✔️ Highlight the Positives but Leave Your Ego Behind 

Draw attention to your strengths and all the good you’ve done but be careful not to brag or put anyone down.

✔️ Give Yourself Time To Write 

Start early so that you have time to work on multiple drafts before the deadline. Try online study tools to help you set manageable targets and increase productivity. Good writing takes time, so plan for it .

Your grades and test scores are important for college, but your college essay is your chance to shine beyond the numbers and show who you really are. 🌟

Don’t stress if you aren’t a high school superstar. What colleges really want is someone who can make an impact on their campus and community; the straight As can come later. 

So, focus on your strengths in your essay , and you might just charm even the most selective schools! 💯

How long should my college essay be?

Aim for an essay between 250 to 650 words , depending on the prompt and college’s guidelines. Exceeding the limit can make your essay seem disorganized and affect your chances of admission. Edit for brevity and clarity, focusing on conveying your message effectively.

What topics should I avoid in my college essay?

Avoid cliché essay topics like listing volunteer experiences or sports injuries. Admissions officers have seen these countless times. Instead, focus on a specific, meaningful experience that shaped you or led you to a new passion. 

For example, think about a transformative and memorable trip or a tough school project that really changed you or had a big impact on who you are. Your essay should be authentic and reflect your unique character.

What makes a college essay stand out?

A standout college essay is genuine, with a unique topic and an engaging start that captivates the reader. Make sure your essay is well-organized and includes specific details. 

Talk about how you’ve changed and learned from your experiences. Let your personality shine through , keep it short and sweet, and check for any mistakes. Also, explain why you’re a good match for the college you’re applying to.

What is the proper way to write a college essay?

To write an impactful college essay, choose a meaningful topic, develop a clear thesis, craft a captivating introduction, use vivid details, demonstrate personal growth, connect to the college’s values, and proofread rigorously. Seek feedback and revise to strengthen your essay’s impact.

What is a good format for a college essay?

A good college essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure with a captivating introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a memorable conclusion. Use standard formatting, proofread carefully, and tailor your essay to each college , highlighting how you fit with each college’s values and offerings.

How do you start off a college essay?

You can begin with an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking question, an impactful quote, a surprising fact, or a personal reflection that relates to your essay’s theme. Alternatively, setting a vivid scene, presenting a clear thesis statement, or incorporating a touch of humor, if suitable, can also create an engaging start.

How should college essays be structured? 

A well-structured college essay should follow a standard five-paragraph format : a captivating introduction, informative body paragraphs, and a memorable conclusion. 

How does the affirmative action ruling change college essays? 

The affirmative action ruling has shifted the focus of college essays to individuality, character, authenticity, and cultural contributions. Applicants should highlight unique experiences, personal growth, and contributions to diversity.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning College Essay

Your college essay is one of the most significant pieces of writing you'll ever produce. It’s your chance to showcase your personality, aspirations, and achievements to admissions officers who decide your future. Writing a compelling and memorable essay may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can craft an impressive piece. Here’s the ultimate guide to writing a winning college essay, covering everything from brainstorming to polishing your final draft.

1. Understand the Purpose of the College Essay

Before you start writing, it’s essential to understand the purpose of the college essay. Admissions officers use this essay to get a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They want to see how you think, what motivates you, and how you can contribute to their institution.

If you find the task overwhelming, you may be tempted to make requests such as “ pay someone to write my paper cheap ”, but remember, authenticity is key. Your essay should reflect your unique voice and experiences.

2. Brainstorm Your Essay Topic

Start with a brainstorming session to identify potential topics. Reflect on:

• Personal achievements or challenges
• Experiences that shaped your perspective
• Unique hobbies, interests, or talents
• Times when you learned valuable lessons

Avoid clichéd topics, such as overcoming a sports injury unless you can present a fresh perspective. A unique and personal story will captivate the reader and make your essay stand out.

3. Craft a Strong Opening

First impressions matter, especially in a college essay. Begin with an engaging hook that grabs the reader's attention, such as:

• A vivid anecdote
• A thought-provoking question
• A bold statement

For instance, instead of starting with "I have always loved science," try, "The day I built my first homemade telescope, I realized how much I wanted to unravel the mysteries of the universe."

Even if you decide to pay for paper writing services for guidance, ensure that your essay opens with an authentic and memorable touch.

4. Structure Your Essay Effectively

An organized essay is easier to read and understand. Use a clear structure:

Introduction

• Introduce your main theme or story.
• Include a hook to engage the reader.

Body Paragraphs

• Use 2-3 paragraphs to elaborate on your story or experiences.
• Highlight what you learned and how it shaped you.
• Summarize your key points.
• End with a lasting impression or forward-looking statement.

Avoid rambling and stick to your key message. If structuring feels challenging, you can pay to write my paper for a professionally organized draft.

5. Showcase Your Unique Voice

Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of essays. What makes yours stand out is your unique voice and perspective. Use language that feels natural to you, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

That said, if you struggle with finding the right words, many students pay for papers to have experts help refine their drafts while retaining their personal touch.

6. Highlight Growth and Reflection

The most impactful essays don’t just tell a story—they show growth. Describe how your experiences have shaped you and how they influence your aspirations. For example, if you discuss a challenge, focus on how you overcame it and what it taught you.

Remember, if you’re pressed for time or need help conveying your story effectively, you can pay someone to write my paper while ensuring your ideas remain central to the essay.

7. Revise and Edit Thoroughly

Your first draft is just the beginning. Follow these steps to refine your essay:

• Take a break : Step away from your essay for a day or two before revising.
• Read aloud : This helps you catch awkward phrasing and errors.
• Seek feedback : Ask trusted friends, teachers, or mentors for constructive criticism.

Professional services are also available if you wish to pay someone to do my paper and get an expertly polished essay.

8. Avoid Common Mistakes

Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Clichéd topics : These include overly common themes like winning a big game or the classic “mission trip” essay.
• Overuse of thesaurus words : Keep your language simple and clear.
• Ignoring word limits : Stick to the specified length to show you can follow instructions.
• Focusing too much on others : Your essay should be about you, not someone else.

If you’re unsure how to avoid these mistakes, consider opting to pay for paper writing services for expert insights.

9. Balance Originality and Professionalism

Your essay should stand out, but not at the expense of professionalism. Avoid controversial topics, offensive language, or humor that could be misunderstood.

Professional writers can provide valuable guidance if you pay to write a paper. They can help maintain a balance between creativity and academic tone.

10. Tailor Your Essay to Each College

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, personalize your essay for each institution. Research their values, mission, and culture, and tie them to your aspirations.

For instance, if a college emphasizes community service, highlight your volunteer work and how it aligns with their goals. If time constraints make this challenging, you can pay for paper writing to save time and still submit tailored essays.

11. Final Tips for Success

• Start Early : Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, draft, and revise.
• Be Honest : Authenticity is more compelling than exaggeration.
• Stay Positive : Even if you’re discussing challenges, focus on the positives and what you’ve learned.

Writing a winning college essay requires time, effort, and introspection, but the rewards are worth it. By choosing a meaningful topic, structuring your essay effectively, and showcasing your authentic voice, you can make a lasting impression on admissions officers.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can pay someone to do my paper or pay for paper writing to receive expert guidance. Whether you decide to craft your essay independently or seek professional assistance, remember that your story is unique—and worth telling.