Crafting Your Story:
College Essays That Stand Out
More than just an application requirement
It's your chance to shine!
Understanding the Purpose
Authenticity
Admissions officers want to meet the real you.
Personal Growth
Experiences that have shaped your character and values over time.
Storytelling
Craft a narrative that engages readers and reveals something meaningful about you.
What Your Essay Is NOT
Not a Resume
Avoid simply listing accomplishments.
Your application already includes those details elsewhere.
Not a 5-Paragraph Paper
This is creative, personal writing.
Break free from rigid academic formats.
Not Generic
Your essay should be impossible to confuse with anyone else's. Make it uniquely yours.
Use AI to Brainstorm Your Topic
Prompt Ideas
Pro Tip
Focus on a specific moment or story—not your whole life. Small stories can reveal big truths about who you are.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Sports Stories
Be careful with game-winning shots or injury comebacks. They're extremely common.
Mission Trips
These can come across as privileged or shallow without careful reflection.
Tragedy Without Growth
Focus on your response to difficulty, not just the difficult event itself.
"Hard Work" Clichés
Generic "I learned perseverance" essays don't reveal your unique perspective.
Structuring Your Essay
HOOK
Grab attention with a vivid scene, dialogue, or intriguing reflection.
BODY
Tell your story with specific details that bring your experience to life.
REFLECTION
Explain what you learned and how it connects to your future goals.
Writing Your First Draft
Set the Scene
Start with the moment, not the explanation. Drop readers right into your story.
Describe the Challenge
Show the central moment or conflict. Use sensory details to bring it alive.
Reflect and Connect
Explain how this experience shaped you and connects to your future path.
Editing & Revising Tips
Read Aloud
Does it sound like your natural voice?
Get Feedback
Ask 2-3 trusted readers, not everyone you know.
Edit for Clarity
Remove wordiness and overly complex vocabulary.
Use Tools
Try Grammarly or Google Docs voice features.
Your Essay Timeline
1
2-3 Months Before
Brainstorm topics and write rough drafts. Try several ideas before committing.
2
1 Month Before
Revise and polish your strongest draft. Get feedback from 2-3 trusted readers.
3
2 Weeks Before
Final proofreading and edits. Read aloud one last time before submitting.
Your Honest Story
1
Personal
Your essay should be truly unique—impossible to be mistaken for anyone else’s.
250
Words
Challenge yourself to write your first 250 words within the next week.
100%
Authentic
Your story doesn’t need to be perfect—only honest and reflective of who you are.
Q&A