Writing College Essays

Suggestions & Tips

Consider Your Audience

• Different types of essays may be appropriate/inappropriate depending on

the type of college to which you are applying.

• Do not slip into slang/text speak unless this is part of a dialogue included in

your essay. This is the admission officer’s first impression of your written

voice.

• Remember that admissions officers read hundreds of essays. Don’t be afraid

to take a risk in order to make yourself stand out.

Be Positive

• Emphasize your positive attributes or discuss obstacles that you have overcome.

• Successful narratives often display a lesson you have learned or a personal truth that

you have affirmed.

• Consider what your essay reveals about you as a person. For instance, do you come

across as someone who simply complains about grievances or are you a person who

takes action?

• Show, don’t tell. Use the essay to demonstrate leadership, service, and character.

Write What You Know

• Write about your passions and interests. Demonstrate your knowledge of a topic or examine your curiosity about a particular subject.

• Write what you believe, not what you think the admissions officer wants to hear.

• Consider what makes you a unique figure.

• Don’t plagiarize. Admissions officers can frequently determine if you have copied someone else’s work. Attribute any quotes to the appropriate sources – don’t claim them as your own.

Stick to the Prompt

• Follow the guidelines for the prompt. Stick to the designated word count and

fully answer the question posed by the prompt.

• Stay focused. Do not go off on unnecessary tangents.

• Don’t include information that the admissions officer can already see on the

college application.

Revise, But Keep Your Voice

• Do not expect to write the ideal essay on the first try – there is always room for improvement.

• Consider whether you can make your point in a more succinct manner.

• Do not act as a human thesaurus. Make sure that your word choice is appropriate for the topic.

• Get a second opinion to see how another person views the way you portray yourself.

• Showcase your own unique voice.

Checklist: Questions to Ask Yourself

• Is my essay appropriate for the college I am applying to?

• Am I happy with the first impression of my written voice that my essay creates?

• Will my essay stand out from hundreds of others? Does it show how I am unique?

• Is the tone of the essay positive?

• Does my essay depict a personal truth or a lesson?

• Does my essay create a good impression of me as a person?

• Does my essay demonstrate leadership, service, and character?

• Does my essay relay my passions and interests?

• Does the essay accurately reflect my beliefs?

• Is this all my own work?

• Does my essay fully answer the question posed by the prompt? Does it fit the length requirements?

• Is my essay focused?