How to write a College Admissions Essay you are proud of

By Kathryn Petruccelli, Community Classroom College Admissions Essay Coach

If you Google “college admissions essay writing tips” you may find yourself overwhelmed by the (27,800,000) results. Everyone from USA Today to Harvard has an opinion. And, of course, many individual universities weigh in on how best to succeed in front of their admissions team. There’s even a National Association for College Admission Counseling. 

A collective from top schools known as The Ivy Institute of College Admission Consultants takes on the controversial topic of AI and ChatGPT in application essays, but so does TeenVogue. 

So, what should you be thinking about? And who should you listen to??

 Photo credit: Rochelle Nicole

At the risk of piling on one more opinion, don’t overdo it on the research. Check out a couple “top ten tips” lists from diverse, reliable sources so you can nod along at the common sense stuff: Start early. Follow Directions. 

But what I’m going to focus on are a few things you don’t often hear that touch on how to set the stage in your mind and follow writing-centered ideas–ways to create a piece of good writing that reflects an aspect of who you are in a genuine way. 

Okay. As a young person closing out your high school years, and/or a caregiver of one, you’ve spent a long time being told what to do, what needs to happen when, and then being told how well you did it. Math test on Friday. PTO meeting Tuesday night. You got an 81. You need to bring cupcakes. Complete only section C. You forgot your homework. Read this book. Athletes need to be dropped off by 6:00pm. Open house. Schedule change. Field trip fee. Great cupcakes, but you were supposed to bring salad. 

Whew!

Now it’s time for college–a place that talks about independent thinking and leadership. Professors want students’ opinions and parents and guardians aren’t there. 

Your essay is a way to step out. To relax. (Yes, I said, relax!) You get to express some authentic truth about what you love, what you’ve learned, and how those things can carry you to the future. You’re in charge. 

The schools want to hear how your unique experiences will add to their community. You don’t have to write with all your fingers crossed hoping prestigious school A, B, or C will say yes. Those schools need you. 

University of Cincinnati’s Paula LaManna advises students to imagine the essay as their interview. Tell them what the rest of the application can’t. Be vulnerable enough to show them your amazing self!

Photo credit: Ian Schneider

I’m with Robert Alexander of the University of Rochester, who stresses aspects of topic choice and exploration. Stick close to what you love and get specific. You could write about your dog or a fancy corporate internship with equal success. Make a list of possibilities and see what pops out. Trust your instinct. Write about what YOU find most interesting. 

But keep in mind, admissions officers look at thousands of essays. For example, you’re going to have to break down feelings like “happy” to grab some attention.  

To get there, let your mind wander while you’re drafting. Go back and re-embody the moment. Caretakers note! Not all writing time looks like sitting at a desk! Go for a walk; play with your dog; remember.

Try looking at the picture from an odd angle. Keeping the scene/story you want to share pictured in your mind, what’s that in the corner of the room? What happened just before/after what you describe? Who is affected by what happens? What’s not obvious at first glance? Zoom in. Details!

At these early stages, let everything in. It’s often easier to edit than to add.

Now: 

• Read your draft aloud. Is it smooth? Does it sound like you? Read it again.

• Does it reflect what you want to say? Sum up in a sentence the heart of what you want to get across. Is it obvious in the writing?

• Order of Information. Does your essay start and end in the best places? Is your reader guided along? A post from Harvard Summer School suggests to “write with the reader in mind.”

• They also agree you should Show your draft(s) to someone you trust. They can help you see what you’ve overlooked–a part that makes perfect sense to you because you lived it, but isn’t quite clear yet on the page.

• Don’t be afraid to abandon a dead end. If you’ve chipped away at an essay forever and things aren’t coming together, let it go. Try again. 

Here’s the good news: your creative well is endless!

Photo credit: Ihor Malytsky

Once you have an essay that includes a beginning, a middle, and an end, consider putting it away for a couple days. Then, be prepared to make changes. Revision is a part of writing. 

Now: 

• Read your draft aloud. Is it smooth? Does it sound like you? Read it again.

• Does it reflect what you want to say? Sum up in a sentence the heart of what you want to get across. Is it obvious in the writing?

• Order of Information. Does your essay start and end in the best places? Is your reader guided along? A post from Harvard Summer School suggests to “write with the reader in mind.”

• They also agree you should Show your draft(s) to someone you trust. They can help you see what you’ve overlooked–a part that makes perfect sense to you because you lived it, but isn’t quite clear yet on the page.
• Don’t be afraid to abandon a dead end. If you’ve chipped away at an essay forever and things aren’t coming together, let it go. Try again. 

Here’s the good news: your creative well is endless!

Looking for more? Please find information on our College Essay Coaching here.