3 Tips for Conquering the College Essay
Written by: Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D.
Conquering the college essay can be a challenging task, but with the right strategy, you can write a compelling and memorable essay that stands out to admissions officers. Here are three tips to help you navigate your college essay writing successfully:
Be Yourself
Your college essay is your moment to get your voice in the room and share what’s most unique and special about you. It’s not the time to brag or list all of your accolades, it’s time to share a story that spotlights your genuine, unique perspective, so Admissions officers get to know who you are as an individual. Avoid the temptation to write what you think they want to hear and instead focus on showcasing your true self. Take time to reflect on your experiences, values, passions, and any challenges that have shaped you. Be honest, introspective, and let your voice shine through in your writing. Your story matters and when you’re true to yourself it makes your essay more engaging and memorable.
Start Early
Starting early gives you an advantage. You get to take your time and thoughtfully plan your essay. You give yourself the gift of time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing. Begin by thinking about your experiences and identifying key moments you want to highlight. Remember to carefully read the prompts and any supplemental questions. Give yourself time to research details about each college that might be useful to include in your responses. Get started before the demands of Senior year take over.
Show, Don’t Tell
Your college essay is not the place to list your accomplishments or qualities. You have the opportunity to do that in other spaces of your application. It’s time to show the admissions officers who you are through vivid storytelling and concrete examples. Use descriptive language and specific details to paint a picture and evoke emotions. Illustrate how your experiences have shaped your view of the world and your future goals. When you use specific details in an engaging narrative, you will make a lasting impression on the admissions officers.
BONUS TIP: Ask for Feedback
Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from people you trust. It’s okay if you have to revise your essay multiple times. Eight to ten revisions is the average for a strong college essay. Be open to suggestions for improvement and help refining the details of your essay. Focus on clarity, coherence, and impact. Proofread meticulously to ensure proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
If you haven’t started writing your college essay. Get started today!
There’s no doubt it’s easier said than done. You’re a busy teen. You’re trying to figure out how to fit in time to write your college essay this summer. It’s not often you’re asked to write about yourself. It’s not easy, but with a strategic plan in place the essay writing process will feel less overwhelming.
Get help!
Join the 5 Day College Essay Writing Bootcamp starting July 17, 2023.
