How to write a College Application Essay

Ten Tips For Writing a College Application Essay

Tip #1: Find Your Passion

A college application essay is an essay used by colleges to get a better understanding of you, the student. If they want to learn about what you like and don’t like, knowing that you love dogs because it reminds you of your childhood dog would probably not be very helpful. Instead, say something like, “I love dogs because I feel so calm around them and I think their unconditional love really reflects how we should treat each other.” This passion can come from many areas, such as family, friends, or even literature. Just make sure it comes from somewhere real and meaningful!

Tip #2: Don’t Make It About You

The college application essay should not be an autobiography or even a summary of your life. You want to tell stories that show something about you without saying, “I am this person because my mother was this type of person.” And don’t use cliches either! Saying things like “My family is my rock” are actually pretty bad for college essays because they come across as completely generic.

Tip #3: Make Sure It Is Authentic

Remember, the college application essay is used to help colleges learn more about you, so if you try to make up or exaggerate too much, it won’t work out in the end. Colleges would rather hear real stories from your life than events that never happened at all. So, even small details matter when you are telling your story!

Tip #4: Have Some Fun With It!

For most people, the college application essay is the only place they have to be creative, so do it up. No matter what you choose to write about, make sure it is personal and specific enough to reveal something about who you are as a person. Remember that no one wants to read an essay that doesn’t seem like it was written by a real human being.

Tip #5: Keep It Short & Simple

College application essays should be between 300-500 words in length. That’s not very long at all! And for a good reason, colleges are looking for quick to weed out applicants who might not be a good fit. So the shorter your essay is, the better! You want to make sure that you are conveying essential details without rambling on about things that aren’t relevant.

Tip #6: Don’t Make It All About You

Some people think they should only talk about themselves in their college application essays. This isn’t true! Instead of telling colleges all about yourself, try to use your essay as an opportunity to tell them something meaningful or thoughtful about other people (hopefully including yourself). For example, if you wrote, “I am thinking of becoming a doctor because I grew up watching my father become one,” this would still be okay, but why not say, “I am considering medicine because I saw my father help people and that inspired me to want to do the same”? This is a much better way of talking about something relevant to you.

Tip #7: Proofread Everything

Once you’ve written your application essay, make sure it is completely error-free! Read through it 10, 20, or even 100 times (yes, this might seem like overkill but trust me, it’s worth it) and look for any mistakes like misspelling words or repeated phrases. Even one mistake can be enough for a college admissions officer to dismiss your application, so proofreading is crucial!

Tip #8: Don’t Stuff Your Essay With ‘Filler’ Words

Trying to impress colleges by showing them how many big words you know can seem like a good idea, but it doesn’t work out too well. It’s essential to look for shorter or simpler alternatives because colleges could read through your essay and see the filler words as an attempt to disguise your lack of real knowledge.

Tip #9: Get Feedback From People You Trust!

Getting feedback from people you know is really important when it comes to writing college application essays. Ask other students, teachers, or even parents whether they think your essay sounds natural or original enough. Knowing what other people think should help you write better essays in the future.

Tip #10: Go With Your Instincts!

Even though this is a time to get advice and guidance from people you trust, remember that in the end, it’s your essay and no one else’s. Write about something you feel strongly about, and don’t be afraid of going against what other people suggest! You can always ask for opinions but then go with your gut once you’ve heard everyone out.