Crafting an Unforgettable College Essay
The Princeton Review shares seven timeless tips for writing a standout college application essay — from choosing a meaningful topic to editing with care.
Most selective colleges require you to submit an essay or personal statement as part of your application. It may sound like a chore, and it will certainly take substantial work — but it's also a unique opportunity that can make a difference at decision time.
Admissions committees put the most weight on your high school grades and test scores. However, selective colleges receive applications from many worthy students with similar scores — too many to admit. So they use your essay, along with letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities, to find out what sets you apart.
Telling Your Story to Colleges
You have a unique background, interests, and personality. This is your chance to tell your story. The best way is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through.
Admissions officers read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable. Many students try to sound smart rather than sounding like themselves. Others write about a subject they don't care about but think will impress admissions officers.
You don't need to have started your own business or hiked the Appalachian Trail. Colleges are looking for thoughtful, motivated students who will add something to the first-year class.
Tips for a Stellar College Application Essay
1. Write about something that's important to you
It could be an experience, a person, a book — anything that has had an impact on your life.
2. Don't just recount — reflect!
Anyone can write about winning the big game or spending the summer in Rome. Describe what you learned from the experience and how it changed you.
3. Being funny is tough
A student who can make an admissions officer laugh never gets lost in the shuffle. But beware — what you think is funny and what an adult working in a college thinks is funny are probably different. Caution against one-liners, limericks, and anything off-color.
4. Start early and write several drafts
Set it aside for a few days and read it again. Put yourself in an admissions officer's shoes: Is the essay interesting? Do the ideas flow logically? Does it reveal something about the applicant? Is it written in the applicant's own voice?
5. No repeats
What you write should not contradict or repeat any other part of your application. This isn't the place to list your awards or discuss your grades.
6. Answer the question being asked
Don't reuse an answer to a similar question from another application.
7. Have at least one other person edit your essay
A teacher or college counselor is your best resource. Before you send it off, check, check again, and triple check for spelling or grammar errors.
Source: The Princeton Review