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How do I write my college essay?
I'm currently a junior in high school who wants to start writing my essays for college applications early. But... I don't know where to start. How do I decide what to write about? Any general advice when writing college application essays?
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8 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Rhianne,
Starting your college essay early is a smart move, and you're already on the right track by seeking advice. The process can feel daunting, but with some clear steps, you can craft a standout essay that highlights who you are and why you’re a great fit for the schools you're applying to. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Reflect on Your Story:
The first thing you want to do is think about what makes you, you. College essays are an opportunity for you to tell your story in your own words—this is your chance to show admissions officers who you are beyond grades and test scores.
What experiences have shaped you? This could be a personal struggle, an accomplishment, a transformative moment, or something that sparked a passion.
What values matter to you? Think about what drives you, what interests you, or what goals you're working toward.
What makes you unique? Colleges want to know what kind of perspective you’ll bring to campus, so highlight what sets you apart.
Don’t rush to pick a topic immediately. Give yourself time to reflect and jot down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems small. Sometimes the simplest moments can lead to the most meaningful essays.
2. Read the Prompt Carefully:
Each college might have different essay prompts, but most are asking you to reflect on your personal experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Some prompts might encourage you to explore specific aspects of your identity, your community, or your goals. Be sure to read and understand the prompt before diving into your writing.
3. Be Authentic:
Admissions officers are looking for a genuine glimpse into who you are. Don’t try to write what you think they want to hear. Instead, write about what’s meaningful to you.
Be honest: Don’t feel the need to embellish your story. Authenticity resonates more than trying to sound perfect.
Don’t shy away from vulnerability: If you’ve overcome challenges, share those stories, but focus on how they’ve shaped you positively.
4. Structure Your Essay:
Now that you have your topic, it’s time to start writing. Here’s a basic structure you can follow:
Introduction: Start with something that grabs the reader's attention. This could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a personal reflection. Your intro should set the stage for the rest of your essay.
Body: The body of your essay should expand on your introduction and explain the significance of the story or experience you’re sharing. It’s not just about describing what happened; you want to show how it impacted you, what you learned, and how it shaped who you are today. Focus on growth.
Conclusion: Wrap things up by connecting your story to your future. How has this experience prepared you for college? What are you hoping to gain or contribute as you move forward in your academic journey?
5. Show, Don’t Just Tell:
Rather than just stating facts, paint a picture. Use descriptive language and include specific details to bring your story to life. For example, instead of saying “I love volunteering,” you could describe a moment when you were helping someone and how it made you feel.
6. Get Feedback:
Once you've written a draft, don’t hesitate to share it with someone you trust—whether it’s a teacher, family member, or mentor. They can give you feedback on clarity, tone, and whether your personality shines through.
Make sure your essay reflects your voice: This is your story, so the tone should feel natural to you. If it sounds like someone else is writing it, it might not come across as authentic.
Revise, revise, revise: Your first draft is never your final draft. Take the time to revise it several times, tightening up sentences and ensuring everything flows smoothly.
7. Keep It Focused:
If you have a lot you want to say, that’s great! But remember, your essay should have a clear focus. Avoid trying to include too many ideas. Instead, hone in on one central message or experience and expand on it deeply.
8. Stay Positive:
Even if you’re writing about challenges or struggles, make sure the essay conveys a positive tone. Colleges want to see how you've overcome obstacles and learned from them, not just the struggle itself.
Finally, remember that the college essay is just one part of your application. It’s your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and how you think, so use it to your advantage. Be yourself, stay true to your story, and let your passion and personality shine through your writing!
Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise.
Be clear and concise: Don’t add unnecessary fluff. Your essay should be well-structured and to the point.
Don’t compare yourself to others: Everyone’s college essay is different. Focus on telling your unique story.
Starting your college essay early is a smart move, and you're already on the right track by seeking advice. The process can feel daunting, but with some clear steps, you can craft a standout essay that highlights who you are and why you’re a great fit for the schools you're applying to. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Reflect on Your Story:
The first thing you want to do is think about what makes you, you. College essays are an opportunity for you to tell your story in your own words—this is your chance to show admissions officers who you are beyond grades and test scores.
What experiences have shaped you? This could be a personal struggle, an accomplishment, a transformative moment, or something that sparked a passion.
What values matter to you? Think about what drives you, what interests you, or what goals you're working toward.
What makes you unique? Colleges want to know what kind of perspective you’ll bring to campus, so highlight what sets you apart.
Don’t rush to pick a topic immediately. Give yourself time to reflect and jot down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems small. Sometimes the simplest moments can lead to the most meaningful essays.
2. Read the Prompt Carefully:
Each college might have different essay prompts, but most are asking you to reflect on your personal experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Some prompts might encourage you to explore specific aspects of your identity, your community, or your goals. Be sure to read and understand the prompt before diving into your writing.
3. Be Authentic:
Admissions officers are looking for a genuine glimpse into who you are. Don’t try to write what you think they want to hear. Instead, write about what’s meaningful to you.
Be honest: Don’t feel the need to embellish your story. Authenticity resonates more than trying to sound perfect.
Don’t shy away from vulnerability: If you’ve overcome challenges, share those stories, but focus on how they’ve shaped you positively.
4. Structure Your Essay:
Now that you have your topic, it’s time to start writing. Here’s a basic structure you can follow:
Introduction: Start with something that grabs the reader's attention. This could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a personal reflection. Your intro should set the stage for the rest of your essay.
Body: The body of your essay should expand on your introduction and explain the significance of the story or experience you’re sharing. It’s not just about describing what happened; you want to show how it impacted you, what you learned, and how it shaped who you are today. Focus on growth.
Conclusion: Wrap things up by connecting your story to your future. How has this experience prepared you for college? What are you hoping to gain or contribute as you move forward in your academic journey?
5. Show, Don’t Just Tell:
Rather than just stating facts, paint a picture. Use descriptive language and include specific details to bring your story to life. For example, instead of saying “I love volunteering,” you could describe a moment when you were helping someone and how it made you feel.
6. Get Feedback:
Once you've written a draft, don’t hesitate to share it with someone you trust—whether it’s a teacher, family member, or mentor. They can give you feedback on clarity, tone, and whether your personality shines through.
Make sure your essay reflects your voice: This is your story, so the tone should feel natural to you. If it sounds like someone else is writing it, it might not come across as authentic.
Revise, revise, revise: Your first draft is never your final draft. Take the time to revise it several times, tightening up sentences and ensuring everything flows smoothly.
7. Keep It Focused:
If you have a lot you want to say, that’s great! But remember, your essay should have a clear focus. Avoid trying to include too many ideas. Instead, hone in on one central message or experience and expand on it deeply.
8. Stay Positive:
Even if you’re writing about challenges or struggles, make sure the essay conveys a positive tone. Colleges want to see how you've overcome obstacles and learned from them, not just the struggle itself.
Finally, remember that the college essay is just one part of your application. It’s your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and how you think, so use it to your advantage. Be yourself, stay true to your story, and let your passion and personality shine through your writing!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Oh my goodness, Dr. H’s advice is absolutely wonderful! Truly, every bit of it is so thoughtful and beautifully structured, making the entire essay-writing process feel so much more approachable. The way he breaks it all down—with reflection, authenticity, and clear structure—is just *perfect* for crafting an essay that truly captures who you are.
One final little thought: allow yourself to write freely in the beginning, without pressure. Let your words flow naturally, and then shape them into something beautiful. Your story is special, and when you write from the heart, it will shine in the most genuine and compelling way.
Fanna Suzan
Fanna, your words carry so much warmth and wisdom—exactly what a great mentor brings. Letting the soul speak before the mind polishes? Couldn’t have said it better. Happy to be on this track with you indeed, and Keep shining!
Dr H
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Be YOURSELF Rhianne!
Don't write what you think the admissions office would want to hear. Don't write about anything that is already on your transcripts or anything that they have may have already seen. With an approximate 650 word limit you won’t have space to reveal everything about yourself, but you will have an opportunity to highlight a slice of who you are. You want that slice to be interesting and engaging. College admission counselors want to know how well you write, but they also want to know about your thought process, values, preferences and style. What you write about is as important as how well you write it. It is the only opportunity you have to tell the application committee a little about yourself, your values, your enthusiasm, your creativity, and your writing ability. Assume that they have already looked at your grades, your recommendations, your resume, your application itself—they read the essay last. And finally, make sure to answer the essay question and not get off-topic.
Hope this helps Regina. Good luck!!
Choose a topic that’s right for YOU – something about which you’re passionate. If you’re not interested in what you’re writing about, chances are no one will be interested in reading it. The best ideas for topics come when you least expect them...write them down as soon as you are inspired, and keep a running list.
Share something that’s unique to your experience, or information that we’re unlikely to learn about you elsewhere in your application. Most important is for you to be real and be yourself; unless you want to be a theatre major, it is way too hard to try to be what you think we want you to be.
If you are passionate about an issue, don’t avoid it because it may be controversial. At the same time, your essay topic does not have to be world-changing and does not have to demonstrate you are perfect. Sometimes the simplest topic leads to the best essay.
Be a good storyteller. Use a strong opener – catch our attention right from the start. Poignant moments in time, with a little bit of reflection, often make great essays. Show rather than tell. Use anecdotes, examples, and descriptions. Make it your best, most engaging writing. Trim the fat. (And resist the urge to use the thesaurus!)
Revise often and early, proofread carefully, read it aloud, and don’t be afraid to start over. It is ok to have someone else look over the essay to help you catch things you missed, but don’t over-edit and make it sound like a research paper. Remember, substance and voice are better than perfection.
Don't write what you think the admissions office would want to hear. Don't write about anything that is already on your transcripts or anything that they have may have already seen. With an approximate 650 word limit you won’t have space to reveal everything about yourself, but you will have an opportunity to highlight a slice of who you are. You want that slice to be interesting and engaging. College admission counselors want to know how well you write, but they also want to know about your thought process, values, preferences and style. What you write about is as important as how well you write it. It is the only opportunity you have to tell the application committee a little about yourself, your values, your enthusiasm, your creativity, and your writing ability. Assume that they have already looked at your grades, your recommendations, your resume, your application itself—they read the essay last. And finally, make sure to answer the essay question and not get off-topic.
Hope this helps Regina. Good luck!!
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Spot on, Doc! Nothing beats being real. The best essays aren’t about trying to impress—they’re about letting your story shine in your own voice. Love the “show, don’t tell” advice, honestly that’s what truly makes an essay unforgettable!
Dr H
Thank You Dr. H. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
Doc Frick
Doc Frick, welcome and thank you! The heart’s vision is the clearest of all—what we feel shapes our world more than what we see. Truly appreciate your wisdom!🙌
Dr H
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Writing a good college essay is an important part of your application and in some cases can be the deciding factor as admissions representatives sort through many qualified applicants each year. It’s a great plan to start this process early so you have plenty of time to craft your essay and not stress about it during your senior year. Your essay should tell a story that is specific and personal to you. Your essay is not a marketing tool to advertise why the college should choose you. You don’t need to “sell yourself” but instead you should use the essay to show the college more of who you are. It is also not a list of your accomplishments as those things are all listed in your application already. Instead, the essay is a chance for you to shine by sharing a story about your life which helped shape you and can show the college who you are, what is important to you and demonstrates your abilities to grow and learn. Your story does not need to be some big life-altering experience but can be a simple everyday occurrence in which you are able to demonstrate how you think about the world or a challenge you've overcome (big or small) that reveals a piece of who you are. If the topic is important to you, then it is important to write about a long as you can convey the importance to your reader. Stay away from broad general ideas that anyone could write about. Be specific in the details and personalize the essay. Colleges want to see students who are open to a variety of worldviews and diverse experiences. The essay should be in your own voice, authentic and genuine. Colleges are not looking for you to present your case to them but rather for you to reveal something about yourself that makes them want you to be a part of their college community. Be confident and remember we all have a story to share. Yours is important and valuable!
Talk with your School Counselor as they should be able to provide ideas, help and resources to you.
Your English teacher can assist you with editing, flow and format if needed.
Make sure that you use proper grammar and punctuation. Be sure to proofread.
Tammy recommends the following next steps:
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
82
Answers
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
I appreciate that you are thinking ahead.
Start early so you have time to review and perfect your essay.
When you write, focus on,
This is your chance to show who you are besides your GPA, school credits, extracurricular activities, test scores, etc. Show your personality and value here. Don’t forget to write about how you will contribute to the college community. Your goal is to stand out.
Reflect on personal challenges and how you overcome them, an important event that makes you see things differently, your passion or hobby
Be clear and authentic and make your story meaningful.
Revise over and over and get feedback from teachers, friends, and mentors.
Stay within the word limit of 500-550. usually.
Don’t stress too much. Start with a list of events and experiences and choose what is personal and meaningful to you.
Best,
Start early so you have time to review and perfect your essay.
When you write, focus on,
This is your chance to show who you are besides your GPA, school credits, extracurricular activities, test scores, etc. Show your personality and value here. Don’t forget to write about how you will contribute to the college community. Your goal is to stand out.
Reflect on personal challenges and how you overcome them, an important event that makes you see things differently, your passion or hobby
Be clear and authentic and make your story meaningful.
Revise over and over and get feedback from teachers, friends, and mentors.
Stay within the word limit of 500-550. usually.
Don’t stress too much. Start with a list of events and experiences and choose what is personal and meaningful to you.
Best,
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Think of your college essay as a way to show schools who you really are beyond your grades and test scores. Start by asking yourself:
What’s something that shaped me?
When did I grow or change?
What’s a small moment that says a lot about me?
It doesn’t have to be a huge, life-changing event—sometimes, everyday moments make the best stories. Pick something personal, something that feels like you.
When writing, keep it real. Instead of telling them, "I'm hardworking," show them a time when you pushed through something tough. Make it feel like a story, not just an essay.
And don’t stress! Start early, play around with ideas, and don’t be afraid to rewrite.
What’s something that shaped me?
When did I grow or change?
What’s a small moment that says a lot about me?
It doesn’t have to be a huge, life-changing event—sometimes, everyday moments make the best stories. Pick something personal, something that feels like you.
When writing, keep it real. Instead of telling them, "I'm hardworking," show them a time when you pushed through something tough. Make it feel like a story, not just an essay.
And don’t stress! Start early, play around with ideas, and don’t be afraid to rewrite.
Updated
George’s Answer
A Complete Guide to Writing College Application Essays: A Simple Step-by-Step Approach
As you begin your college application journey, it's smart to start thinking about your essays early. These essays are your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. It's your moment to shine by sharing your personality, passions, and the experiences that have shaped you. Starting early gives you time to reflect and create a thoughtful, polished essay that stands out to admissions officers. Here's an easy guide to help you write an essay that captures attention.
1. Know the Purpose of the College Essay
The college essay lets admissions officers see who you are beyond academics. While grades and activities matter, the essay shows how you think and handle challenges. Admissions officers read many essays, so yours should show not just what you've done, but who you are. They want to know your perspective and what you can bring to their school.
A good essay gives insight into your character and why you'd be a great fit for their college. It also shows how well you can express yourself in writing, which is important in college.
2. Reflect on Your Experiences
To write a great essay, start by reflecting on your life. Think about experiences and challenges that have made you who you are. Consider times when you learned something important, faced a tough situation, or changed your thinking. These might include:
- Personal or family challenges you've overcome.
- Times you stepped out of your comfort zone.
- Experiences that sparked a passion you want to pursue in college.
- Moments when you contributed to a cause or community.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What has shaped how you see the world?
- What obstacles have helped you grow?
- What achievements or experiences are you proud of, and why?
These reflections will help you find strong essay topics. Sometimes, the best topics come from everyday events or small challenges.
3. Find Themes in Your Experiences
Once you have a list of topics, look for patterns or themes. These themes can guide your essay. Maybe you value resilience, empathy, or curiosity. Or perhaps you are committed to creativity or community service.
Identifying themes helps you focus your essay on a central message. Colleges want to see how your experiences have shaped your values and goals. They appreciate applicants who connect personal stories to broader themes like growth and making a difference.
4. Choose a Topic That Shows Who You Are
Pick a topic that lets you tell a meaningful story about yourself. Your essay should reflect your personality and how your experiences have shaped you. Consider writing about:
- A challenge you faced and overcame: Show resilience and problem-solving skills.
- A personal passion or hobby: Share your enthusiasm and dedication.
- A meaningful relationship: Describe how someone influenced your perspective.
- An experience that changed your outlook: Provide an engaging and insightful story.
Your topic should express your core values and give admissions officers a deeper understanding of you.
5. Be Authentic
Being genuine is key to a strong essay. Admissions officers can tell if an essay feels forced. Write about what truly matters to you and let your voice shine. Avoid complex language and be yourself. If you're passionate about something unexpected, share it—unique essays often stand out.
6. Focus on Your Growth
Colleges want to see how you've grown from your experiences. Whether it's a success or a challenge, emphasize personal growth. If you faced a hardship, explain how it made you stronger. If you wrote about a passion, show how it influenced your goals.
Colleges appreciate applicants who reflect on their experiences and continue to evolve as individuals.
7. Keep the Tone Positive
Even when writing about challenges, maintain a positive tone. Frame tough situations as opportunities for growth. Focus on what you learned and how it motivated you to change.
Your essay should reflect hope and the ability to overcome difficulties. Admissions officers want to see resilience and strength.
8. Start with a Strong Hook
The beginning of your essay is important—it grabs the reader's attention. Start with a compelling hook, like:
- An intriguing story from your life.
- A surprising fact or insight.
- A thought-provoking statement.
Your introduction should spark curiosity and make the reader eager to learn more about you.
9. Be Concise and Focused
College essays have word limits, so stay focused. Avoid unnecessary details. Choose one central theme or story and explore it deeply. Make every sentence count.
It's not about writing a long essay—it's about telling your story clearly and powerfully.
10. Edit, Edit, Edit
After writing your first draft, take time to revise. Editing is crucial. Look for clarity, grammar, and structure. Ask if the essay truly captures who you are. Seek feedback from teachers, family, or friends for fresh perspectives.
11. Stay Organized
If applying to multiple schools, keep track of essay prompts and deadlines. Organize which essay goes with each school. This helps you meet deadlines and avoid submitting the wrong essay.
Stay organized with drafts, revisions, and feedback to perfect each essay.
Conclusion
Writing a strong college essay is about sharing your unique story. By starting early, reflecting on experiences, and being authentic, you can create an essay that highlights your strengths. The essay is your chance to show colleges who you are and how you'll contribute to their community. Take your time, be true to yourself, and let your voice shine.
As you begin your college application journey, it's smart to start thinking about your essays early. These essays are your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. It's your moment to shine by sharing your personality, passions, and the experiences that have shaped you. Starting early gives you time to reflect and create a thoughtful, polished essay that stands out to admissions officers. Here's an easy guide to help you write an essay that captures attention.
1. Know the Purpose of the College Essay
The college essay lets admissions officers see who you are beyond academics. While grades and activities matter, the essay shows how you think and handle challenges. Admissions officers read many essays, so yours should show not just what you've done, but who you are. They want to know your perspective and what you can bring to their school.
A good essay gives insight into your character and why you'd be a great fit for their college. It also shows how well you can express yourself in writing, which is important in college.
2. Reflect on Your Experiences
To write a great essay, start by reflecting on your life. Think about experiences and challenges that have made you who you are. Consider times when you learned something important, faced a tough situation, or changed your thinking. These might include:
- Personal or family challenges you've overcome.
- Times you stepped out of your comfort zone.
- Experiences that sparked a passion you want to pursue in college.
- Moments when you contributed to a cause or community.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What has shaped how you see the world?
- What obstacles have helped you grow?
- What achievements or experiences are you proud of, and why?
These reflections will help you find strong essay topics. Sometimes, the best topics come from everyday events or small challenges.
3. Find Themes in Your Experiences
Once you have a list of topics, look for patterns or themes. These themes can guide your essay. Maybe you value resilience, empathy, or curiosity. Or perhaps you are committed to creativity or community service.
Identifying themes helps you focus your essay on a central message. Colleges want to see how your experiences have shaped your values and goals. They appreciate applicants who connect personal stories to broader themes like growth and making a difference.
4. Choose a Topic That Shows Who You Are
Pick a topic that lets you tell a meaningful story about yourself. Your essay should reflect your personality and how your experiences have shaped you. Consider writing about:
- A challenge you faced and overcame: Show resilience and problem-solving skills.
- A personal passion or hobby: Share your enthusiasm and dedication.
- A meaningful relationship: Describe how someone influenced your perspective.
- An experience that changed your outlook: Provide an engaging and insightful story.
Your topic should express your core values and give admissions officers a deeper understanding of you.
5. Be Authentic
Being genuine is key to a strong essay. Admissions officers can tell if an essay feels forced. Write about what truly matters to you and let your voice shine. Avoid complex language and be yourself. If you're passionate about something unexpected, share it—unique essays often stand out.
6. Focus on Your Growth
Colleges want to see how you've grown from your experiences. Whether it's a success or a challenge, emphasize personal growth. If you faced a hardship, explain how it made you stronger. If you wrote about a passion, show how it influenced your goals.
Colleges appreciate applicants who reflect on their experiences and continue to evolve as individuals.
7. Keep the Tone Positive
Even when writing about challenges, maintain a positive tone. Frame tough situations as opportunities for growth. Focus on what you learned and how it motivated you to change.
Your essay should reflect hope and the ability to overcome difficulties. Admissions officers want to see resilience and strength.
8. Start with a Strong Hook
The beginning of your essay is important—it grabs the reader's attention. Start with a compelling hook, like:
- An intriguing story from your life.
- A surprising fact or insight.
- A thought-provoking statement.
Your introduction should spark curiosity and make the reader eager to learn more about you.
9. Be Concise and Focused
College essays have word limits, so stay focused. Avoid unnecessary details. Choose one central theme or story and explore it deeply. Make every sentence count.
It's not about writing a long essay—it's about telling your story clearly and powerfully.
10. Edit, Edit, Edit
After writing your first draft, take time to revise. Editing is crucial. Look for clarity, grammar, and structure. Ask if the essay truly captures who you are. Seek feedback from teachers, family, or friends for fresh perspectives.
11. Stay Organized
If applying to multiple schools, keep track of essay prompts and deadlines. Organize which essay goes with each school. This helps you meet deadlines and avoid submitting the wrong essay.
Stay organized with drafts, revisions, and feedback to perfect each essay.
Conclusion
Writing a strong college essay is about sharing your unique story. By starting early, reflecting on experiences, and being authentic, you can create an essay that highlights your strengths. The essay is your chance to show colleges who you are and how you'll contribute to their community. Take your time, be true to yourself, and let your voice shine.
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Zae’onna,
Writing a college essay is more approachable than it seems. Imagine you're having a friendly chat with the admissions team who know nothing about you. Your goal is to make them think, "Wow, this student is really interesting."
Here are some helpful tips:
Avoid turning your essay into a second resume. They already know your grades, test scores, and club memberships. Instead, share a story that only you can tell.
Your story doesn't need to be grand. They aren’t expecting tales of saving the world. A simple story works best—like the time you tried cooking your grandma’s recipe and turned the kitchen into a mess, but learned patience and persistence. That’s genuine.
Start early. Waiting until the last minute will make your essay feel rushed and stressed. Admissions officers can sense that.
Write in your own voice. Skip the fancy words. Saying “I really messed up but learned courage” is much more powerful than using complex phrases.
A touch of humor can help. If you can make the reader smile while showing who you are, you’ll really stand out.
Writing a college essay is more approachable than it seems. Imagine you're having a friendly chat with the admissions team who know nothing about you. Your goal is to make them think, "Wow, this student is really interesting."
Here are some helpful tips:
Avoid turning your essay into a second resume. They already know your grades, test scores, and club memberships. Instead, share a story that only you can tell.
Your story doesn't need to be grand. They aren’t expecting tales of saving the world. A simple story works best—like the time you tried cooking your grandma’s recipe and turned the kitchen into a mess, but learned patience and persistence. That’s genuine.
Start early. Waiting until the last minute will make your essay feel rushed and stressed. Admissions officers can sense that.
Write in your own voice. Skip the fancy words. Saying “I really messed up but learned courage” is much more powerful than using complex phrases.
A touch of humor can help. If you can make the reader smile while showing who you are, you’ll really stand out.
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
I would reflect on your life and dissect the most impactful, meaningful experiences you have gone through that have shaped your life. Think about what you would want the colleges to know about you - focus on the positives and what differentiates you from others. I would then start just by forcing yourself to write out an essay and slowly refine it. Then, get LOTS AND LOTS OF FEEDBACK from other people to make sure your message is coming off the way you want, and then incorporate those changes.