A strong essay doesn’t just recount events—it reflects on why those events mattered to you and how they shaped your perspective or identity. Admissions officers want to see evidence of personal development and self-awareness. For example, rather than describing a challenging event at face value, dig deeper into the lessons it taught you. How have you grown? What insights did you gain? Sharing your journey of growth makes your essay meaningful and memorable.

Colleges look for students whose values and goals resonate with their own. Demonstrating this alignment shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely excited about what the school offers. Highlight your values, interests, and aspirations, and tie them to specific aspects of the college. For instance, if the school emphasizes sustainability, share how your commitment to environmental advocacy shaped your goals. This approach shows how you are a great fit for the campus community.

Generic statements like “I love helping people” don’t stand out. Specific details and vivid anecdotes do. Instead of broadly claiming your passion for science, describe the excitement of analyzing data from a research project or the thrill of building a robot from scratch. Concrete examples make your essay engaging and help admissions officers visualize your unique experiences.

Listing qualities like “I’m hardworking” or “I’m a leader” is less impactful than showing these traits through anecdotes. For instance, instead of saying, “I’m a leader,” describe how you organized a fundraiser, navigated unexpected challenges, and inspired your team to achieve a shared goal. Stories make your qualities tangible and relatable.

Colleges are communities, and admissions officers want to know how you will contribute. Sharing examples of teamwork shows that you can thrive in collaborative settings. Talk about experiences where you worked with others to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Whether it is a group project, a team sport, or a volunteer initiative, explain how you learned the value of collaboration and how it shaped your approach to working with others.

Your essay should sound like you. Authenticity is key. Avoid overly formal language or trying to impress with big words that don’t come naturally to you. Instead, write as if you are sharing your story with a trusted mentor or friend. While AI tools can assist with brainstorming or refining ideas, you should never let them write your college essay for you — it will likely come across as unauthentic and hollow.

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is partially addressing the essay prompt. Admissions officers design prompts to elicit specific information about you, so make sure you have fully answered every part of the question. For instance, if the prompt asks you to describe a challenge and how it shaped your perspective, don’t just focus on the challenge itself — reflect on its impact and what you learned. Carefully reviewing the prompt ensures your essay stays focused and meets the expectations of the admissions committee.

Admissions officers have read essays that say “I’ve always wanted to help people” or “this taught me to never give up” countless times. These phrases may be true, but add nothing unique to your story. Instead, dig deeper to find a fresh perspective or a personal angle only you can offer. Share experiences and reflections that highlight your individuality.

Even the best essay can lose its impact if it is riddled with spelling or grammar mistakes. Proofread carefully, and consider asking a trusted mentor, teacher, or friend to review it as well. Reading your essay aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or missing words. Finally, ensure your essay stays within the word limit — admissions officers expect you to follow instructions.

Your conclusion is as important as your opening. Avoid ending with a summary; instead, leave the reader with a thought-provoking reflection, a powerful image, or a statement that ties back to your central theme. The goal is to make your essay resonate long after it’s been read.

Your college essay is your chance to shine. By focusing on authenticity, specificity, and alignment with the college’s mission, you will create an essay that truly stands out. Take your time to review and refine, ensuring your essay reflects your best self. This is your story— tell it with confidence and heart. Good luck!