What admissions look for in a great college essay
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We all do it, don’t we? Judge a movie by its trailer, a book by its synopsis, or even a café by its Instagram photos. We need a glimpse—something to tell us if it’s worth our time and effort.
College applications are no different. Your grades and achievements offer context, but they don’t tell your story. That’s where the essay comes in—it’s your trailer. A chance to show who you are beyond the numbers, what drives you, and why you’re worth investing in—not just as a student, but as a person.
So, how do you craft an essay that stands out? Here are the secrets:
1. Be Authentic: make an ordinary story unique
Sometimes, the simplest experiences carry the deepest meanings. The key to writing a standout essay is reflecting on why the moment mattered, what you learned, and how it changed your perspective.
Use the "Why-What-How" Technique
This is the same approach our student Sejal used to craft her compelling essay. Here’s how it works:
- Why did this moment matter to you?
- What did you learn from it?
- How did it shape your perspective or decisions?
Sejal applied this technique when writing about her journey toward body positivity and self-acceptance. At first glance, her topic seemed simple, but she made it extraordinary by diving deep into her emotions and reflections.
Excerpt from Sejal’s essay: Every morning, I stared at my reflection, counting flaws instead of blessings. But as I laced up my running shoes day after day, I realised this wasn’t about losing weight—it was about gaining self-respect, discipline, and confidence. Somewhere between aching muscles and steady breaths, I stopped running from myself and started running towards someone I was proud to be.
Why did Sejal’s essay work?
- She reflected on why her struggle mattered—it wasn’t just about appearance; it was about finding self-worth.
- She shared what she learned—discipline, confidence, and the value of self-respect.
- She explained how it shaped her perspective—by transforming her approach to self-acceptance and growth.
Pro tip: The smallest experiences often tell the most powerful stories. Focus on why they matter.
2. Show, don’t tell
Move beyond the basics of "showing" by using storytelling techniques that captivate your reader…like:
Start in the middle of the action:
Begin your story at a high point or a moment of tension to immediately draw the reader in.
- Example: ‘Just one more try,’ I told myself, gripping the handlebars and hoping for a miracle.”
Use contrasts to highlight growth:
Show how a struggle transformed into a strength by contrasting before-and-after moments.
- Example: “I used to dread public speaking, my hands trembling at the podium. Now, the sound of applause fills me with pride and confidence.”
Layer emotions:
Don’t just describe actions; reveal your feelings at each step. This creates a deeper connection with the reader.
- Example: “As I stood in front of the mirror, holding the report card, I felt tears welling up. I had no idea why I was crying, but I knew I had to stop before…”
Pro tip: Incorporate sensory details to make your story come alive.
- Sight: What did you see?
- Sound: What did you hear?
- Emotion: How did it feel?
3. Know your values: who are you, really?
Colleges want to know what drives them. What matters to you? What do you stand for? Reflect on moments or choices that highlight your core values.
Think about:
- A time you stood up for something you believed in.
- A decision that shaped your perspective.
- An experience that changed your outlook on life.
Quick exercise:
Spend 5 minutes writing down three values you want your essay to reflect. These can be things like kindness, resilience, responsibility, creativity, or anything that shapes your choices. Reflect on moments when these values played a part in your actions.
Pro tip: Instead of just saying, “I value honesty,” show how you’ve demonstrated this trait. For example, maybe you turned in an incomplete project but took full responsibility for it because you valued transparency over taking the easy way out.
4. Make reflection the star of your story
Your essence encompasses more than what you typically present to the world. This unique combination of experiences, values, and reflections is what makes your college essay stand out. A compelling essay isn't just about narrating a story; it's about understanding why the story matters and how it has shaped you.
Imagine your essay as a bridge—it starts with an engaging narrative, but the reflection is what connects it to your reader’s heart.
Ask yourself:
- What did I learn from this experience?
- Why does it matter in the larger picture of my life?
- How did it shape the person I am today?
For example, a student once wrote about failing to win a debate competition despite months of preparation. But instead of ending in defeat, they reflected on how that loss taught them humility, resilience, and the importance of learning from setbacks.
Pro tip: A story without reflection is like a book without a conclusion. As Purdue University's Online Writing Lab emphasizes, "Reflections often take the form of narrative essays that summarize an experience or express changes in thinking over time."[1] Ensure your essay doesn't just narrate—it resonates.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not link the opening and closing: Your essay should come full circle. Don’t leave the reader hanging.
- Abrupt endings: A rushed conclusion can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied. Let your ending be thoughtful.
- Cliché endings: Avoid overused phrases like "never give up." Instead, make your conclusion personal and authentic.
5. Start with a hook, end with an echo
Have you ever seen a video that plays in a loop? The start and end both leave you on a high note, making you want to watch it repeatedly. Your essay works the same way: a powerful opening and a strong ending are crucial to leaving a lasting impression.
When writing an essay, your goal is to pull your reader in right from the beginning and leave them thinking long after they’ve read the last line.
Start with something that hooks your reader—a vivid scene, a surprising statement, or a thought-provoking question. When you end, circle back to your opening idea or leave your reader with a lasting reflection that seamlessly ties everything together.
Opening Example: “In the morning's quiet stillness, my body moved parallel to the track lines, marked stark white with chalk. For a moment, all my intrusive thoughts evaporated into thin air.”
Closing Example: “Challenges will always come, but I know now that I can face them—one breath, one step, one chalk-marked track at a time.”
Pro tip: Don’t just narrate events— create an emotional journey. Have a rhythm—a beginning that pulls you in, a middle that keeps you engaged, and an ending that feels both satisfying and thought-provoking.
A great essay doesn’t just end; it leaves your reader wanting to reach out and know more, which, by the way, is your goal.
6. Dare to be vulnerable
Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s your strength. Being open about your struggles, fears, or failures shows who you really are. And that’s what makes your essay truly connect with your reader.
Why It Works:
- It’s real and human.
- It shows how you grew through tough times.
- It proves you’re ready to take on challenges.
One student wrote about managing ADHD. Instead of just listing challenges, they shared how it made them more resilient. The essay wasn’t just about struggles—it was about how they learned and grew from them.
Pro Tip: Vulnerability isn’t oversharing—it’s about showing your courage and growth. When done right, it makes your story powerful and real.
Quick Tip:
- Share a challenge.
- Show how you grew.
- Connect it to your future.
Being vulnerable isn’t scary. It’s a way to show who you are and why you’re ready for the next step.
What do colleges look for in your application?
Special Skills and Interests:
Show off your special skills and interests. For instance, Princeton University appreciates applicants who demonstrate originality and creativity through unique talents and passions.[2]
Leadership:
Highlight experiences where you took charge, like community service or student government, and grew through the process. The University of California and The University of Pennsylvania value leadership potential demonstrated through service or involvement.[2][3]
Diversity:
Share how your background or perspective contributes to a diverse student body. Columbia University actively seeks students who bring unique perspectives and cultural richness to foster a vibrant, inclusive campus environment.[2]
Personal Growth:
Demonstrate how you've overcome challenges or grown from your experiences. Dartmouth College values students who showcase resilience and personal growth, especially those who have navigated significant life experiences or adversity.[2]
Academic Promise:
Reflect on your passion for learning and intellectual curiosity. Yale University looks for students who demonstrate a deep intellectual curiosity and the potential to thrive in their rigorous academic programs.[2]
Fit:
Show why you're a good match for the college and how you'll thrive there. Harvard University values students who make the most of their opportunities and resources.[2][4]
Conclusion
Your college essay is your chance to stand out—it’s what helps you get noticed and shows why you're a great fit. It’s all about sharing your story and how you've grown. If you need help polishing your story, we’re here for you. Let’s work together to make it happen!
[1] https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/resources/community_engaged_writing/critical-reflection.html
