How to write a college essay

Many students apply to universities and colleges in the United States by writing college essays.

Each institution has its own requirements but most ask for the student’s academic transcripts and official scores from entrance tests or other standardized exams. They also need a list of honors or distinctions, activities, or experiences. College admission counselors are well aware that numbers and grades don’t always tell all.

“A transcript gives us insight into a student’s academic performance, but does not often shed light on who the student as a person,” stated Jackie Tremblay senior assistant director of freshman admission at Southern New Hampshire University. While academics are the main focus of an application, we take a holistic approach when reviewing applications.

College applications will require applicants to submit an essay in order to get a better understanding of the applicant. This essay can be called an application essay, college essay, personal essay or personal statement.

This college application essay serves as a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to communicate written information. Tremblay says that the essay is more important because it allows people to stand out from thousands or hundreds of others by giving a glimpse into their lives, passions, motivations, and goals.

What and how should you start a college essay?

Tremblay stated, “I believe the earlier the better.” Students can be proactive and seek additional feedback by being proactive during college essay writing.

This means that you will need to give yourself months, if not days, to complete your college essay before the deadline for applying. This is because you need to have the time:

1. Check the requirements for essays. Do you have a minimum and maximum word count? Is it necessary to upload your essay in a particular file format or type it directly into an online application? Do you need to follow any guidelines or prompts? You can write an essay about any topic you choose, but others will ask you to respond in a specific way.
2. Brainstorm ideas for essays. Consider your unique perspectives, experiences, and circumstances and write down some potential topics. Briefly outline the key points, important background information, key players and obstacles for each topic you have identified. Tremblay said, “This will help you narrow down your final focus and give you concrete examples to use.”
3. Create the first draft. Use the notes from the brainstorming session to shape your essay. A good essay, like any story, should have a beginning and middle. The first sentence should grab the attention of the reader. Tremblay says this is crucial because admission counselors may read hundreds of essays from colleges in one admission cycle.
4. Finish the editing. Leave the draft alone for a few days. Reread the draft with fresh eyes. Continue to make improvements and changes. Make sure to check that you have followed any guidelines. The Common Application for example requires essays to be between 250 and 650 words. However, the Coalition Application says that “While there are no exact lengths for essays, we recommend 500 to 550 words.”
5. Create a polished draft. Now it’s time for input. Tremblay stated that teachers, guidance counselors, and other trusted adults can offer valuable feedback and corrections before you submit the essay or application. It’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes look at your work.
6. Take into account any feedback or changes. You don’t need to do everything everyone suggests.
7. Review the final draft. Use Grammarly, a free online grammar-checker to double-check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
8. Add the final version to your application materials.

Tremblay says, “The most important thing you should remember when writing a college essay is that it’s possible to start over.” You can always edit your first draft if it isn’t authentic or doesn’t portray what you wanted, or you can try a different topic.

Some people may not feel comfortable with making themselves the central focus of an essay. Tremblay suggested that in such cases, Tremblay would suggest writing about someone who played a significant part of your life and the impact they had on you. Tremblay recalls a piece written by a potential student about her experience growing up with an autistic brother. This student described how it affected her family dynamics, taught her patience, and ignited her interest in special education.

Tremblay stated that although the essay didn’t cover all her achievements, it did give Tremblay valuable insight into her professional goals as well as the experiences that she had related to those ambitions.

What are some good topics for college essays?

When it comes to choosing a topic for your college essay, you generally have a lot of flexibility. You can choose to write on any topic you like or respond to one of the prompts. These prompts are intended to encourage brainstorming and help with writing. The following are recent examples of prompts from Common Application or Coalition Application:

• “Tell a story about your life. Describe an experience that either demonstrated your character or helped shape it.”
• “Reflect upon a time you challenged an idea or belief. What was the catalyst for your thinking? What was the result?
• “Describe a topic, idea or concept that you find so fascinating that you lose track of the time. It captivates you. Who or what do you go to for more information?

Tremblay stated that there is no single way to write a college essay. The best topic to choose is one that resonates with you, and allows you to share any experiences or passions that have influenced you. It will depend on what you are comfortable sharing.

Students may use the essay section of their application to talk about academic performance fluctuations or other factors that have affected their grades. Tremblay says that this additional context is taken into consideration when reviewing students who might not meet our academic requirements.

She has also encountered other essay topics over the years:

• The inspiration behind a student’s experience at an after-school job is how it influenced their future career path
• A student was inspired by a service trip sponsored by the church to give back.
• A student’s reaction to the death of a friend or family member
• How being a woman in a male-dominated field of work impacted a student’s confidence

“The most memorable college essays are the ones that challenge the norm and give insight into the student’s passions, weaknesses, and defining moments. She said that memorable college essays are a way to get to know the student better and to predict a great fit for the future, should they decide to enroll.

What should you NOT write in a college essay?

Tremblay stated that it is a good idea to avoid using expletives when writing college essays, even though it might seem obvious.

She also suggested that you think beyond the obvious and generic topics for essays. She has also read a lot of essays about athletic achievements, extracurricular activities, and class projects.

It is possible to make a seemingly boring topic into something more engaging. It is important to share the lessons learned from this experience. Each person’s response to setbacks will be different, as will their personal growth stories. This information can be used to tailor essays to each individual,” she stated.

Avoid spelling and grammar errors in your college essay. She explained that the essay was a way to gauge your writing abilities and ensure you are ready for college-level academics. Take the time to go through your work again and make sure you correct any mistakes. You can also have others review your work.

College Essays: A Piece of the College Search Puzzle

Tremblay says that the main factor in determining whether a student is eligible for admission will be their overall academic performance. The college essay provides admission counsellors with a unique opportunity for context.

Tremblay said that the application stage and the college essay are only one part of the overall college search process. As admission counsellors, we establish and foster relationships with potential students throughout their senior year and sometimes beyond. We can help them narrow down their college search to find the right fit. The more information we have about them the better we can serve them.