College Planning
College Essay Tips
The college essay is your chance to use your voice to add to your college application. Many colleges require the essay as a way to hear from the student directly and to get a sense of who you are in your own words. It’s a great opportunity to personalize your application beyond the grades, scores, and other information you’ve provided and can make a difference at decision time.
8 Key Points that Admission Officers Look For
- A command of the basics of good writing
A direct answer to the essay question
A strong opening paragraph that captures the reader’s interest
A comprehensive argument or narrative—make your point and stick to it
A style that is comfortable for you and that is appropriate for the subject matter
Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Correct data—check your facts, dates, and names
Succinctness—pay attention to the recommended length
What the Essay Can do for your College Application
Demonstrate your writing ability, a key component of success in college.
Show that you have thought carefully about where you are applying and why you are a good match for the college, in your own words.
Explain your commitment to learning and that you are willing and able to be a contributing member to the college community.
Draw distinctions between you and other applicants, something that selective colleges especially rely on.
An essay will rarely take an applicant out of consideration at a college, but it certainly can elevate an applicant in an admission committee’s eyes.
Make it Personal
Often you will be asked to write about a personal experience, an achievement, or a person who has been significant to you. Go beyond the what or the who and dig into the how and the why.
If you write about a trip or event, describe how this experience affected you and is meaningful to you.
If you are writing about a person in your life, be personal and specific, not just sentimental. Explain how or what this person did for you that is important to you.
Things to Keep in Mind
Revise, revise, revise. Take the time to reread and revise. This process will help you develop a strong opening and a solid direction, and refine what you are trying to express.
Show, don’t tell. Give readers such convincing evidence that they will come to the conclusion that you want. Provide detailed examples instead of providing a list of things.
Be authentic. Don’t stress trying to write what you think they are looking for—just showcase who you are!
Just get started! Writing something meaningful can be a long process, so get started right away to allow for time to draft and revise. Be sure to write your essay long before the deadline.
For more help staying organized and making smart college choices, check out the College Advising Essentials guide.
