College Admissions Guidance

Blog posts about college admissions topics such as essays, extracurriculars,  planning, mental health, etc.

A Guide to Writing a Standout College Essay

application strategy essays senior year Apr 10, 2023

The college essay is an important part of the application process. It's an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, interests, and writing skills to admissions officers. Here's a guide to writing a standout college essay:

  1. Choose a compelling topic: The topic of the essay should be something that is personal and meaningful to the student. It should showcase their personality, interests, and values. Admissions officers are looking for unique and original essays that stand out from the thousands of other applications they receive.
  2. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply telling the reader about an experience or trait, use specific examples and anecdotes to show how it has impacted you. This will make the essay more engaging and memorable.
  3. Be authentic: The essay should be a reflection of the student's personality and voice. Avoid using clichés or trying to write what you think the admissions officers want to hear. Write in your own authentic voice.
  4. Edit and proofread: After writing the essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the essay flows smoothly and logically. Ask a teacher, counselor, or friend to read it over and provide feedback.
  5. Follow the prompt: Make sure to read and follow the essay prompt carefully. Admissions officers are looking for students who can follow directions and meet the requirements of the essay prompt.
  6. Start strong and end strong: The opening sentence of the essay should be attention-grabbing and set the tone for the rest of the essay. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression and tie together the themes and ideas presented in the essay.
  7. Be concise: The essay should be concise and to the point. Admissions officers are reading thousands of essays, so it's important to make every word count. Avoid unnecessary words and phrases and stick to the point.

In conclusion, writing a standout college essay requires choosing a compelling topic, showing rather than telling, being authentic, editing and proofreading, following the prompt, starting strong and ending strong, and being concise. By following these guidelines, students can write an essay that showcases their unique personality and sets them apart from other applicants.

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