Once junior year has wrapped up, much of a student’s application materials have been set – courses and grades 9th-11th, activities, experiences in the classroom that will inform a letter of recommendation – but one thing that is still squarely within a student’s control is essays, which is why we suggest starting early and working on them consistently through the summer (as soon as you hear that a prompt has been updated!). Read on to learn about some central tips to make these important elements of your student’s application as strong as possible:
Start with a Story, Not a Statement
Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year. The ones that stand out almost always begin with a compelling story — a moment, a scene, a memory — that draws the reader in and shows something meaningful about the applicant.
Why it works: Stories are immersive. A strong opening can transport the reader into your world and make your essay memorable. Rather than beginning with a general claim like “I’ve always been passionate about science,” consider starting with a specific event: “The first time I dissected a frog in sixth grade, I fainted. Two years later, I was leading the lab team with a scalpel in hand.”
How to do it:
- Think of a moment that challenged you, changed you, or taught you something.
- Start “in the middle” of the action — just like a good short story.
- Make sure the story connects to the deeper point you’re trying to convey.
A well-chosen story doesn’t have to be dramatic; it just needs to be personal and insightful. The key is to show who you are through what you’ve experienced, not just tell who you are.
Focus on Insight, Not Just Accomplishments
While it’s tempting to use your essay to list achievements, remember that your application already has a space for those: your resume or activities list. The essay is your chance to go beyond the “what” and explore the “why” and “how.”
Why it works: Colleges are looking for self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence — qualities that don’t always show up in transcripts. They want to know how you think, what matters to you, and how you process the world.
How to do it:
- Reflect deeply on what your experience meant to you.
- Ask yourself: What did I learn? How did I grow? How has this shaped who I am or what I want to do?
- Avoid rehashing your resume. Instead, zoom in on one meaningful experience and unpack it.
You don’t need to have climbed Everest or cured a disease. What matters more is whether you can draw thoughtful, personal meaning from your experiences — however ordinary or extraordinary.
Write Like You Speak — But Polished
The best college essays sound like real people wrote them. They’re conversational, personal, and authentic — but also clear and well-edited.
Why it works: A natural, honest voice builds connection. If your essay sounds too stiff or too formal, it can feel distant or artificial. On the other hand, if it’s too casual or sloppy, it can come across as careless.
How to do it:
- Read your draft aloud. If it sounds awkward or unlike your voice, revise until it feels more natural.
- Use contractions, clear language, and varied sentence structure. It’s okay to sound like a teenager — you are one.
- Avoid thesaurus overload. Choose clarity over complexity.
Think of your essay as a conversation with an adult who’s interested in getting to know you. You don’t need to impress them with big words — just with honesty and self-awareness.
Revise Ruthlessly — and Get Feedback
Strong writing is rewritten. Your first draft is a place to explore ideas and get messy. The real work — refining, trimming, clarifying — happens in revision.
Why it works: Great essays often take multiple rounds of editing to sharpen the language, clarify the structure, and heighten emotional or narrative impact. Thoughtful revision shows maturity and care.
How to do it:
- Set your draft aside for a day or two, then come back with fresh eyes.
- Cut anything that doesn’t serve a clear purpose. Be brutal with fluff.
- Ask trusted readers (teachers, counselors, or friends) for feedback — but make sure the final voice is still yours.
Keep asking yourself: Am I showing the reader who I am? Does each paragraph add something new or deeper? Aim for clarity, connection, and depth — not perfection.
Your college essay doesn’t need to be the story of your entire life. It just needs to be honest, well-told, and meaningful to you. Focus on revealing a sliver of who you are that your test scores and transcripts can’t capture. Write with heart, revise with purpose, and let your voice lead the way.
